Maria Sharapova to Play Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic

Maria Sharapova to Play Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic

SAN JOSÉ, CA (April 16, 2018) – Five-time major champion and former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova has announced she will play in the 2018 Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic, July 30-August 5, on the campus of the tournament’s new home – San José State University.

“I am excited to return to the Bay Area for the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic,” said Sharapova. “I always enjoy playing in California. The region has tremendous tennis fans, and I can’t wait to see the tournament’s new venue in San José.”

In the heart of Silicon Valley, the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic is a weeklong WTA tennis event that will look to bring the worlds of tennis and technology together in a festival of sports and entertainment.

Formerly known as the Bank of the West Classic in Palo Alto, the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic has moved to San José State University. The new venue will provide an elevated, family friendly atmosphere and allow fans to see their favorite stars up close.

Featuring a 28-player singles draw as well as a 16-team doubles draw the tournament will bring the best female tennis players in the world to the Bay Area. Owned and operated by IMG, the tournament also serves as the opening women’s event of the US Open Series.

Sharapova recently announced that she is collaborating with the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) to mentor female entrepreneurs through the Sharapova Women’s Entrepreneur Program.

Also in the player field are defending champion Madison Keys and singles finalist CoCo Vandeweghe.

Co-founded by tennis Hall of Famer, the legendary sportswoman, visionary, and activist Billie Jean King, the tournament was first played in 1971 and is the longest-running women-only professional tennis event in the world. Its list of past champions reads like a who’s who of women’s tennis including Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Andrea Jaeger, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters.