WTT Washington Kastles

Bouchard Seeks 3rd Win over Kastles July 29; Camo Hat for 1st 1,000 Fans July 16

Published on June 12, 2015 under World TeamTennis (WTT)
Washington Kastles News Release


Eugenie Bouchard and the Texas Wild
Eugenie Bouchard and the Texas Wild
(Texas Wild, Credit: Susan Mullane of Camerawork USA)

Eugenie Bouchard Looks to End Kastles' Reign

Wimbledon Finalist Leads Lobsters into Kastles Stadium July 29

The Washington Kastles have won the King Trophy five times in six years, so it's a stretch to say that they have a real rival in Mylan World TeamTennis.

Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard is out to change all that, and she's already off to a strong start.

Bouchard led the 2009 Kansas City Explorers and 2013 Texas Wild to regular-season wins over Washington. The Canadian gets another crack at the Kastles on July 29 when her new team, the Boston Lobsters, pays D.C. a visit (Tickets from $20).

"I think it's time for the Kastles not to win any more," Bouchard told WTT.com. "I'm tired of it, I think everyone is tired of it... no I'm kidding! They've been on an amazing win streak, but it makes for an interesting story where everyone wants to challenge them."

While Washington seeks a record-tying sixth title, the Lobsters are after their first. Coming off a 1-13 season and 14 straight losses to the Kastles, new Boston coach Jan-Michael Gambill has overhauled his roster in hopes of overthrowing the champs.

Signing Bouchard for three matches July 27-29 is a good start.

Bouchard's teams are 2-1 versus the Kastles overall, making her one of three players to post a winning record against Washington in a minimum of two matches since 2009. Ex-Lobsters Raquel Kops-Jones (3-1) and CoCo Vandeweghe (3-2) are the others.

More than 100 players have losing records against Washington over the last six years, including Lindsay Davenport (0-2), Andy Roddick (1-2), John McEnroe (1-4) and six other former World No. 1s.

That's how impressive Bouchard has been.

On July 18, 2009, Bouchard introduced herself to the Kastles with braces in her mouth. The 15-year-old defeated Washington's Olga Puchkova 5-4, then teamed with Lindsay Lee-Waters to rout Puchkova and eighth-ranked doubles player Rennae Stubbs 5-1.

Kansas City won 24-17, but eight nights later, Puchkova saved three championship points against the Springfield Lasers to give Washington its first WTT title.

By the time that Bouchard returned to the league in 2013, both she and her team had been rebranded. The Kansas City Explorers were now the Texas Wild, while their Canadian teenager was now the No. 56 player in the world.

In their very first home match, Bouchard's Wild hosted the Kastles one night after Washington secured its 34th consecutive victory to set a new major U.S. pro sports record.

Bouchard did not back down, winning the women's doubles set 5-4 before beating Anastasia Rodionova 5-2 to end the Kastles' historic streak. The Wild celebrated their 23-18 victory like they'd won the Mylan WTT Championship.

But that honor again went to Washington in 2013. En route to their fourth title, the Kastles returned to Texas and tamed the Wild 23-16. Martina Hingis, who did not play in the first meeting, swept Bouchard in singles 5-1, doubles 5-4 and mixed 5-3.

Things between Bouchard and the Kastles are different this season. After three home matches against Washington, Bouchard will make her Kastles Stadium debut on July 29. She could clash with the Kastles again one night later in the Eastern Conference Championship match.

Mylan WTT rules require players to participate in at least three regular-season matches to be eligible for the postseason, clearing the way for the World No. 11 if she chooses and Boston qualifies.

Boston has not played for the King Trophy since 1978, and for the Lobsters to make it back to the finals, they will have to go through the Kastles.

If you believe Bouchard, that's just what she's been waiting for.

Give Dad Kastles Tickets on Father's Day June 21

First 1,000 Fans at Kastles Match July 16 Receive Camo Hat

Mark and Sally Ein's newborn son already refuses to lose!

Congratulations to Kastles owner Mark Ein and his wife Sally, who welcomed their first child on June 5.

As you can see in the photo above, the Ein family is gearing up for Kastles season July 14-29.

With Father's Day just over a week away, give dad the gift of Serena, Venus, Hingis and Paes! Kastles tickets start at only $12 and are going fast at Ticketmaster.com.

If you're not sure which match to pick for dad, consider this.

The first 1,000 fans in attendance when Washington hosts the San Diego Aviators on July 16 will receive a complimentary camouflage Kastles hat!

For as little as $12, you'll get a ticket to see the champs and a stylish hat on Military Appreciation Night. You and your pops won't want to miss out. Secure your seats at Ticketmaster.com.

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Images from this story

Eugenie Bouchard
Eugenie Bouchard
(Susan Mullane of Camerawork USA)		 Eugenie Bouchard and Kansas City Explorers Coach Brent Haygarth
Eugenie Bouchard and Kansas City Explorers Coach Brent Haygarth
(Susan Mullane of Camerawork USA)		 Eugenie Bouchard and the Texas Wild
Eugenie Bouchard and the Texas Wild
(Susan Mullane of Camerawork USA)



World TeamTennis Stories from June 12, 2015


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