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Washington Kastles

Serena Streaking, Hingis Nearing No. 2 Ranking

May 5, 2015 - World TeamTennis (WTT)
Washington Kastles News Release


Sam Querrey
Sam Querrey
(Washington Kastles, Credit: Aaron M. Sprecher/ROCC)

A historic week is underway for the Washington Kastles at the Madrid Open, where Serena Williams, Martina Hingis and Leander Paes are playing for personal milestones.

Williams has already accomplished hers by defeating fellow Americans Madison Brengle 6-0, 6-1 and Sloane Stephens 6-4, 6-0. She faces former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka in the third round on Wednesday or Thursday.

Williams is on winning streaks of 17 matches in Madrid and 25 matches overall, including 22 victories in 2015. It's officially Williams' hottest start to a season since she turned pro in September 1995. Williams began 2003 with 21 straight wins before falling to Justine Henin in the Charleston final.

Earlier this season, Williams moved into a tie for third all-time with her 19th Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open. The two-time Madrid champ has been ranked No. 1 in singles for 115 consecutive weeks, which is the third-longest streak in WTA history.

Meanwhile in doubles, Hingis is one win away from becoming the No. 2 player in the world.

The Hall-of-Famer will pass Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci in next week's rankings if she and World No. 1 Sania Mirza defeat the first-time team of Janette Husarova and Raluca Olaru later today. For access to live scoring, visit the Kastle Tracker.

Hingis has not been ranked as high as No. 2 in doubles since the week of June 4, 2001. The Swiss is seeking her fourth title in five tournaments with Mirza following championships in Charleston, Miami and Indian Wells.

The top seeds will be the favorites at the French Open as well, where Hingis plans to play mixed doubles with her Kastles partner Leander Paes. In Madrid, Paes and Daniel Nestor are seeded seventh and scheduled to play their first match on Thursday.

With his next men's doubles win, Paes will reach 700 career victories on the ATP World Tour. He's found the right partner for the job: Nestor has won 970 men's doubles matches on tour.

Paes will be playing men's doubles during the upcoming Kastles season with big-serving American Sam Querrey.

Coming off the Houston final, Querrey grinded out a 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3 win over Thanasi Kokkinakis in the Madrid first round on Monday. Known more for his hard-court prowess, Querrey showed off his feet of clay during a spectacular rally, defending Kokkinakis' best shots before delivering a backhand winner for the decisive break.

Querrey will meet No. 14 seed Roberto Bautista Agut or wild card Marius Copil in the second round on Wednesday.

Single-match Kastles tickets will go on sale in the next two weeks. In the meantime, fans are encouraged to secure season tickets to see Querrey, Paes, Hingis, Williams and the rest of the Kastles.

A limited number of four-seat VIP tables and boxes are available, as well as individual seats with spectacular views in the Kastles Baseline Experience and Kastles Baseline Club. Season tickets start at $150 and can be purchased by calling 202-4-TENNIS (483-6647).

Volunteer During the 2015 Washington Kastles Season

Join WTT Champions by Becoming a Ballkid, Ushers or Ticket Taker

Join D.C.'s sports dynasty by volunteering at the Smith Center for the 2015 Washington Kastles!

Ballkids are the unsung heroes of every Kastles match, tossing tennis balls to players and rolling them smoothly from side to side. Be the envy of every Washington Kastles fan by becoming a ballperson this season. The application is accessible by clicking here and due by Friday, May 22.

If you are interested in becoming an usher, ticket taker or credentials representative, your application is due by Monday, June 15 and accessible by clicking here. All ballkids and volunteers will receive a complimentary T-shirt, a free meal at each match, a merchandise discount, and up-close-and-personal access to one of the most unique tennis experiences in the world.

In return, the Kastles ask that all volunteers make themselves available for at least four of the team's upcoming home matches. The more matches that you can volunteer at, the better!

Washington's 2015 home schedule begins on July 14 when Venus Williams and the Kastles host the Austin Aces. Opportunities are also available to volunteer at matches featuring Serena Williams on July 21 and Martina Hingis July 26-27.

We are seeking volunteers at as many as 10 matches, including the fourth-annual Charity Classic on July 22 and potential playoff matches July 30 and August 2.

More details are provided in both the ballperson and volunteer applications. We look forward to working together in our quest for a fifth consecutive Mylan World TeamTennis Championship.

Coach Murphy Leads 12 Tennis Clinics in Mid-Atlantic

Full Photo Album from Apr. 24-26 at Facebook.com/WashKastles

Coach Murphy Jensen led a dozen tennis clinics throughout the Mid-Atlantic April 24-26, spreading his passion for the game at tennis clubs that help promote the upcoming Kastles season. Photos from each of Jensen's visits are now available on the Kastles' Facebook page.

If you weren't able to rally with the three-time Mylan WTT Coach of the Year, you'll have another chance when he returns to the D.C. area May 15-17. Ask your local club director if Coach Murphy is coming. If he isn't, request him by passing along our phone number: 202-4-TENNIS (483-6647).

April 24 at 7:25 pm: Murphy joins season ticket holders for a clinic at Westwood Country Club.

April 25 at 11:17 am: Murphy molds the minds of future Kastles at Woodmont Country Club.

April 26 at 4:47 pm: Murphy laughs with a Kastles fan from Anne Arundel County Tennis Association.




Images from this story

Serena Williams
Serena Williams
(Felipe Sevillano - MMO)		 Martina Hingis
Martina Hingis
(Alice Keeney Photography and Lightbending 411)		 Sam Querrey
Sam Querrey
(Aaron M. Sprecher/ROCC)

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