International Tennis Superstar Maria Sharapova First Top Player To Enter the 2006 Acura Classic
2004 Wimbledon Champion To Make Second Appearance at La Costa
SAN DIEGO, CA, May 5, 2006 – The 2006 Acura Classic today announced that Maria Sharapova, the19-year old Russian tennis sensation, has entered this year’s tournament, to be held July 29 - August 6 at the La Costa Resort & Spa. Sharapova made her San Diego debut at La Costa in 2004, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to eventual runner-up Anastasia Myskina. In August 2005, Sharapova became the first Russian woman to attain the #1 ranking in the world, and is currently ranked #3 on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. Ever since her exciting victory over Serena Williams in the 2004 Wimbledon final, she has become one of the world’s most popular and recognizable female athletes.
Noted Promotion Sports’ Raquel Giscafré: “In addition to Maria’s raw talent and world-renowned glamour, she is one of the most determined players on the court. When she made her debut here two years ago, we also found her to be gracious to everyone involved in the event and a true tournament friend. We’re really looking forward to the excitement she’ll bring to La Costa again this summer.”
Promotion Sports, Inc., which owns the Acura Classic and promotes a variety of professional tennis events, is a private corporation headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Founded in 1982 by Raquel Giscafré and Jane Stratton, former professional tennis players, the company is dedicated to promoting sports and women’s tennis worldwide.
The Acura Classic is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.