Original 9: Reunited, Recreated
In 2012, Charleston’s Volvo Car Open (known at the time as the Family Circle Cup) hosted a memorable three-day celebration of the trailblazing Original 9.
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Billie Jean King chats with a ball girl escort as she takes her place for a tournament tribute at the Family Circle Cup – now the Volvo Car Open – in Charleston in 2012.
Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith
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The tournament hosted a three-day celebration of the trailblazing Original 9.
Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith
03
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Rosie Casals hammed it up with Pam Shriver, one of the hosts of a gala celebration in downtown Charleston.
Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith
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Kerry Melville Reid walked the line of TV interviews.
Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith
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The gala was attended by tennis family, legends, and loyal sponsors of women’s tennis.
Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith
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Nancy Richey made her entrance to an ovation.
Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith
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Kristy Pigeon and Valerie Ziegenfuss enjoyed the opportunity to catch up.
Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith
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Peaches Bartkowicz and Julie Heldman posed behind the scenes.
Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith
09
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Judy Dalton helped get the group in order for a very special money shot.
Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith
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The Original 9 assumed the same positions and poses as the iconic photo that was taken at the Houston Racquet Club on September 23, 1970 – but with Julie Heldman sitting in her mother Gladys Heldman’s place.
Volvo Car Open/Chris Smith
