The second edition of Andalucia Tennis Experience is just few days away, but one of its biggest star- the World Number One Serena Williams has officially announced that she has had to pull out of  the Andalucia Tennis Experience to be held in Marbella from April 3rd to 11th.

Williams has been one of the much renowned international faces for this tournament but she was absent from the circuit since the Australian Open (in January) the knee trouble that’s kept her out is still bothering her. She had decided to make a comeback in Marbella, but the persistence of her injury has finally forced her to pull out of the tournament.

“It’s a real pity that we be seeing Serena. I know she’s made every effort to be fit enough to make it, but in the end it just wasn’t possible, commented Tournament Director Conchita Martinez in a press statement.

“The Tournament still has a very high level and even without Serena, we have a lot of the most important names on the circuit coming to the Andalucia Tennis Experience,” added Martinez.

Andalucia Tennis Experience will bring together 31 of the 100 best players in the ranking and have a budget of 1.8 million euros. Among some other biggies, Flavia Pennetta and Kirilenko Marcia from Russia, and Anabel Medina and Maria Jose Martinez of Spain have confirmed their participation.

Following the successful completion of last year event, the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Sports of the Junta de Andalucia, has yet again chosen the Club de Tenis Puente Romano to host the tournament with all kinds of modern facilities for both players and spectators who are coming here.

For more information, you may visit the official website: www.andaluciatennis.com

Staged at the Club de Tenis Puente Romano, Marbella, the Andalusia Tennis Experience comes into the bracket of International Series of the (Women’s Tennis Association) WTA. The inaugural event of this women’s tennis tournament was held in 2009 and since then has created buzz around the tennis circuit.

The 2010 edition of the tournament is scheduled to be held in Marbella for the second consecutive year between 3^rd and 11^th April. This time, too, the tournament will bring some of world’s best players, including the reigning World Number 1 Serena Williams.

Besides, the Spanish Anabel Medina Garrigues, Maria Jose Martinez, Anabel Medina and last year’s runner-up Carla Suarez have confirmed their participation.

Players like Martinez, winner of 1994 Wimbledon tournament feels that Andalucía Tennis Experience is one of the best opportunity to see world-class tennis, and also to provide support to Spanish women tennis.

Earlier in the month, Mayoress Ángeles Muñoz had expressed her delight in holding the event and hosting some world-class players in the very stylish Marbella resort town. The Mayoress also stressed on the positive aspect of blending sports and tourism in promotion of city’s image.

The tournament director and former player Conchita Martinez is also expecting another successful event with greater enthusiasm from the locals. As the event is covered by national and international media, the nine-day long sporting extravaganza will also attract large international spectators.

The inaugural Andalucia Tennis Experience title was won by the Serbian Jelena Jankovic who beat Carla Suarez Navarro 6-3 3-6 6-3 in the final.

Venue Location

The Club is located in the Costa del Sol region in the very heart of lovely Golden Mile. Just 35 minutes drive from the Malaga Airport, it is easily accessible by public transport, in addition to prepaid taxis and airport transfers.

Fast Facts

Prize Money: $220.000
Number of match days: 9 (From 03 to 11 April 2010)
Number of players Singles: 32
Number of players Doubles: 32 (16 pairs)
Players in wheelchair: 8
Courts: Four clay courts, and the capacity of the Centre Court is 2,500

For more information, you may visit the official website: www.andaluciatennis.com