"Oh, Nadia"--and other Charleston tidbits

2006 Family Circle Cup champion Nadia Petrova, not known for her consistency, faced an early exit today when USA veteran Jill Craybas served for the match against her at the Family Circle Cup. Craybas won the first set 6-2, and at 6-5, made an attempt to move to the third round. Petrova broke her at that point, however, but then Craybas saved three set points in the tiebreak. Finally, after 2 hours and 49 minutes, Petrova won, 2-6, 7-6, 6-2. Oh, Nadia.

Not so lucky was Yanina Wickmayer, who lost in straight sets to qualifier Yaroslava Shvedova. Shvedova's 6-2, 7-6 victory included first and second serve win percentages of 59 and 71. Wickmayer was seeded 12th.

It was announced today that Chanelle Scheepers' November wedding to her coach, Roger Anderson, will be officiated by a Daniel Island clergyman. For the last five years, Scheepers--who is ranked number 42 in the world--has stayed with Mt. Pleasant residents Don and Anita Flowers during the Family Circle Cup. Don Flowers is the pastor of Providence Baptist Church on Daniel Island. Scheepers has become like "another daughter" to them, Flowers and his wife say.

Cut-out of Rosie Casals

Be sure to read Steve Ferber's centerpiece feature on The Original 9, gender equality and Title IX in the latest issue of the Daniel Island News. Included with the story is part of an interview with the great Rosie Casals, one of The Original 9, and the first-ever Family Circle Cup champion. The Original 9 will be honored at the tournament's 40th anniversary celebration this week.