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SAN JOSE — The 2018 Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic is going to be a sister act.
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has been added to the field where she will join her sister Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam titlist.
The tournament, previously known as the Bank of the West Classic and held in Palo Alto, is scheduled for July 30‐Aug. 5 at San Jose State University.
“(Venus) and Serena are tennis icons, and tremendous ambassadors for the sport,” tournament director Vickie Gunnarsson said. “Having them both at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic is truly special.”
Serena Williams finished second at Wimbledon earlier this month. Venus Williams was eliminated in the round of 32.
Meanwhile, five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the event.
“I am really sorry to have to miss the event in San Jose this year,” Sharapova said. “Unfortunately I have been forced to make some very tough decisions at this point in my career when it comes to my tournament schedule. I need to take care of my body and make sure I stay healthy. I look forward to coming to play next year.”
Also in the field: two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka, past tournament winners Madison Keys (2017) and Johanna Konta (2016), and Elise Mertens, a three-time winner on the WTA tour this year and ranked 15th in the world.
Tickets are on sale at www.MubadalaSVC.com.
