WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With World TeamTennis, Billie Jean King aims to bring tennis to America. She certainly has corporate America's attention.
The crowd of 2,254 that turned out for the home opener for the four-time and defending WTT champion Washington Kastles was nearly a thousand short of capacity at George Washington University's Smith Center, the team's new indoor home.
But there was no shortage of advertising. From Bloomberg banners, Absolut Vodka bottle advertisement cutouts, 20-second Geico timeouts, ubiquitous Nike Swooshes, Wilson W's, signs for FedEx, Marriott Residence Inn and a host of lesser-known medical devices and companies, corporate America sees a target audience.
Even Washington's team name, Kastles, comes from Kastle Systems, a Virginia-based technology security company.
On Wednesday, the Kastles swept all five sets from the Boston Lobsters to win 25-8, tying the largest margin of victory in franchise history.
The tennis remains top-notch. Martina Hingis still has the light-touch and finesse that made her a five-time Grand Slam singles champion and International Tennis Hall of Famer. Her game translates even better to doubles and mixed-doubles, where she holds nine Grand-Slam titles.
Hingis and Venus Williams are known for their "rivalry for the ages" during the late 1990s and early 2000s. On July 16 in D.C., Hingis and Williams will team up for the first time against the Philadelphia Freedom. Hingis was stoked to finally play with her former rival.
"I can't wait, obviously," Hingis said. "I only had to face her on the other side of the net, so it will be so cool to play with her. With Venus as a doubles partner, I can't imagine what it's like to be in Serena's shoes. The serves are coming at you at 125 miles an hour, that's pretty cool."
On Wednesday, playing with former World No. 1-ranked doubles partner Leander Paes in the opening match, Hingis hit several backhand cross-court winners.
Kevin Anderson was the night's other standout. The 6-8 South African, a true two-handed backhand baseline basher, showered his opponents with serves that reached as much as 150 mph.
WTT league play returns Thursday at 7 p.m. in Washington D.C., San Diego and Boston.
usatoday.com
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