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By: Tony Callaio
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Patty Schnyder, of Switzerland, has been coming to the Family Circle Cup since 1997. Over the last 14 years she’s compiled a 28-14 record with a winning percentage of .667. She moves into second place of historical Cup appearances, second only to Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario who has sixteen. Schnyder has played in all ten Family Circle Cup tournaments since the event moved to Charleston. Patty loves Charleston, and Charleston loves Patty!
Schnyder holds several records at the Cup; she was one of five unseeded finalists; sixth in most matches played (40); most 3-set matches played – 13 (T2); and third on the all-time money list amassing over $438,000 in earnings. She was a quarterfinalist twice, a semifinalist three times and finalist twice, losing to Eva Majoli of Croatia in 2002 and Nadia Petrova of Russia in 2006.
With all of her credentials at the Family Circle Cup, its no wonder why Schnyder lists Charleston amongst her top venues to play.
Schnyder’s success at Charleston includes defeating Jennifer Capriati, Amelie Mauresmo, Elena Dementieva, Lindsay Davenport, Mary Pierce, Justine Henin, and Serena Williams.
“I’ve played so many good matches here and beat so many Top 10 players,” Schnyder remarked. Her biggest year at Charleston came in 2002. “That was the most amazing run I had, like beating Capriati, Pierce, Mauresmo and Serena in a row. It doesn’t happen often.” According to Schnyder, that was her breakthrough year with the crowd, and it’s been a love fest ever since.
Schnyder compliments the Family Circle Cup organization and staff for always improving. “They just look at every detail, and it’s just such a perfect event. They try to make it more perfect, but I think you can’t do it any better.”
Schnyder has always had an affinity for the Family Circle Cup. “I feel the support when I step here on the court,” commented Schnyder. “Especially on the court when you are down, it really helps a lot. I have a lot of respect out there. They love me and my game, but I really love the tournament, and it’s just the biggest moment and the greatest I had in my career, so it’s very emotional and just always a great, great tournament.”
Schnyder isn’t sure how many more times she’ll be back at Charleston, but when asked what will be tougher, Charleston without Patty or Patty without Charleston, the answer was resounding… “Patty without Charleston.”
For now, her fans will have to wait until next year to see if she’ll be back. Schnyder bowed out of the event at the hands of No.1 seed, Caroline Wozniacki, 6-2, 7-5, in the round of 16 on Thursday.
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