Popular tennis tournament returns to La Costa

CARLSBAD (CNS) – Play will begin in the main draw of the Mercury Insurance Open women's tennis tournament Monday at Carlsbad's La Costa Resort and Spa.

Featured players in the event include Ana Ivanovic, once the top-ranked player in the world, and Vera Zvonareva, who is ranked third in the world.

Also featured are Germany's top three professional tennis stars, Andrea Petkovic, Julia Goerges and Sabine Lisicki.

“All three of these dynamic, rapidly rising players have a very entertaining style. They are starting to make an impact in women's professional tennis and are on the verge of achieving great things in the sport,” said Raquel Giscafre, the tournament director.

Reserved grandstand and box seat tickets for the event range from $10- $125.

Today is Kids Day at the tournament, with free admission for children under age 16. Kids can participate in several events throughout the day including a tennis clinic, prize giveaways and professional demonstrations.

Members of the military, police and fire department also receive free admission today and a special presentation will be held at 7 p.m. as part of Celebrate Our Heroes Night.

Autograph sessions will be held throughout the event as well.

“In addition to the great action on the court with the best female tennis professionals in the world, we have an incredible schedule of special events planned for this year's Mercury Insurance Open,” Giscafre said.