WASHINGTON- Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty says that with yesterday's Wimbledon classic fresh in everyone's mind, there isn't a better time for a little tennis in DC.
Enter the Washington Kastles, DC's entry in the World Team Tennis league. The WTT is made up of 11 teams that will play a 14-match schedule over the first three weeks of July. Each team is made up of male and female players with big names in this year's competition including John McEnroe, Anna Kournikova and Serena Williams.
The Kastles were formally introduced at a lunchtime reception today at their new downtown home court, situated at 11th and H Streets NW. Mayor Fenty and Councilman Jack Evans had pushed for the downtown court and both participated in the ceremonial opening rally.
The main event this week comes at Washington's home opener tomorrow night. That's when Serena Williams makes her WTT debut as a member of the Kastles. The Wimbledon finalist is expected to arrive in DC Tuesday morning and help run an afternoon clinic for children. She'll then suit up for the Kastles 7:00 match against the Boston Lobsters.Team founder Mark Ein is placing great emphasis on what this team hopes to do for Washington's tennis community. Clinics will take place throughout July and the first 1200 participants, 16-and-under, will receive a free tennis racquet courtesy Advantage. Ein spoke today of the difference tennis made in the lives of the Williams sisters, and said he hopes these clinics can make a positive impact on kids in the DC area.
In addition to Serena Williams, the Washington Kastles roster is made up of Justin Gimelstob, Scott Oudsema, Mashona Washington, and Sacha Jones. Thomas Blake is the team's coach.
The Kastles season actually began with a pair of road matches last weekend. Washington earned wins in Philadelphia and Delaware to open the season 2-0.
No comments:
Post a Comment