Sharapova enters Acura Classic

Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin, currently Nos. 2 and 1 in the WTA Tour's rankings, have entered the Acura Classic, scheduled July 28-Aug. 5 at the La Costa Resort and Spa, the tournament announced yesterday.

Sharapova, who turned 20 on April 19, is the current Acura champion. She defeated Kim Clijsters in the 2006 final 7-5, 7-5. Henin has played at La Costa just once, in 2003, when she also bested Clijsters in the final 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.
The players are the first whose entries have been confirmed for the tournament, which is being held for the 24th and final time. Promotion Sports, Inc. has sold the event – a $1.34 million, Tier I event on the WTA Tour – to the WTA.