July - September

Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova have entered Filderstadt29th Porsche Tennis Grand Prix from 1 – 9 October 2005

Stuttgart. Venus Williams will be lining up for the 29th Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. This was confirmed by Tournament Director Markus Günthardt, shortly after the American had won the Wimbledon singles title. The World No 8 has already played twice in the singles at Filderstadt. Her last appearance at Europe's oldest women's indoor tournament was in 1998.

In addition to Venus Williams, other top players have also announced their participation. The Russian Maria Sharapova – currently the world's second best player – will be appearing for the first time at the tournament, which traditionally features a very strong field. Amélie Mauresmo (WTA 3), who is in close pursuit of the Russian, will again be competing in 2005. The Frenchwoman was forced to retire injured after the first set in the 2004 final, leaving Lindsay Davenport (USA) to drive off with the main prize, a Porsche 911 Carrera.

Possible opponents for Williams, Mauresmo and Sharapova at the Porsche tournament are the already-entered Justine Henin-Hardenne (Belgium) – the French Open winner – as well as Elena Dementieva, Anastasia Myskina and Nadia Petrova (all Russia).

Tickets can be ordered via www.porsche-tennis.de , via the FILharmonie Filderstadt (Telephone +49 711 708 9394 or www.filharmoniefilderstadt.de ). Journalists can find the latest reports and images at http://presse.porsche.de – the Porsche press database – where the new logo and the tournament poster can be downloaded. Media representatives can obtain their password from marcel.haensch@porsche.de .

GO

07.07.2005