What happened this weekend? Here’s your pro tennis weekend review!
Mylan World TeamTennis Champions: Washington Kastles
The 40th season of Mylan World TeamTennis came to a close yesterday. The 4-time defending champions Washington Kastles took on the surprise superstar team the Austin Aces in Washington DC for the finals this past sunday. The Kastles had the home court advantage with the entire stadium cheering on the Kastles and holding up red #RefuseToLose posters. To live up to their slogan, the Kastles came out strong. While a few of the sets were close, they were able to close the first four sets. Leander Paes and Martina Hingis showed why they had just won the Wimbledon mixed doubles. Hingis and Radionova kept up their winning streak in women’s doubles. Sam Querrey served some big aces during the men’s doubles and singles, taking down the Aces in both. The match went into the last set with the Kastles up 20-13. Elina Svitolina kept the Aces afloat with a 5-3 victory over Madison Brengle, but Brengle stepped up her game in extended play, playing some amazing points (one that involved her running down multiple point ending shots. Brengle clinched the first game of Extended Play and the Kastles took the Mylan World TeamTennis title.
The Kastles hold the King Trophy for the fifth consecutive year. Kastles’ captain Leander Paes received the Finals MVP after winning his sixth King Trophy for the Washington DC team. He dedicated his MVP award to all of his teammates, remarking, “It’s just a beautiful moment to share.” Paes’s statement hits home on the amazing team camaraderie that is unique to World TeamTennis.
BB&T Atlanta Open
John Isner pulled a three-peat at the Atlanta Open this weekend. The big serving American defeated Marcos Baghdatis in the final, the first final for the Cypriot since 2011. It wasn’t much of a match due to Isner’s firing serve and an injured Baghdatis. Isner took the match in less than hour. The former Georgia Bulldog says he loves the Atlanta Open. The crowd is always packed with his family, friends, and Bulldog fans, making it a special occasion.
The Bryan Brothers clinched their 107th doubles title, but it’s surprisingly their first Atlanta Open win. The brothers defeated Georges Muller and Colin Fleming in an excited three-setter, one of the best matches of the tournament. The Bryans are stoked about their win and can’t wait to come back next year.
