WTT Washington Kastles

Paes Advances at Wimbledon

June 28, 2011 - World TeamTennis (WTT)
Washington Kastles News Release


Third-year Kastle Leander Paes is back together with Cara Black at Wimbledon this week, hoping to build on the pair's mixed doubles success the past two seasons.

Following a first-round bye, the No. 14 seeds defeated Rogier Wassen and Alicja Rosolska 6-1, 6-4 in the second round on Monday.

It was the ninth win in 10 matches for Paes and Black at the All England Club. The team captured the 2010 Wimbledon championship and fell in the final in 2009.

Starting with their title run at the 2008 US Open, Paes of India and Black of Zimbabwe played 10 consecutive Grand Slam mixed doubles events together, reaching five finals along the way. But Black did not compete at last month's French Open. That left Paes to play with Iveta Benesova, and the new duo lost in the quarterfinals to Nenad Zimonjic and Katarina Srebotnik.

For Paes and Black to reach a third consecutive Wimbledon final, they may have to go through Zimonjic and Srebotnik in the third round. The No. 3 seeds Zimonjic and Srebotnik play British wild cards Ross Hutchins and Heather Watson in the second round for the right to meet Paes and Black in the Round of 16.

Paes is the lone remaining Kastle at Wimbledon. His teammates, Venus and Serena Williams, each lost in the Round of 16 of women's singles on Monday. Rennae Stubbs of Washington and Marcelo Melo were one point from victory before falling to Hutchins and Watson in mixed doubles.

To watch Paes play all season long, secure your seats to see the Kastles by visiting Ticketmaster.com. And don't forget to follow Paes' progress at Wimbledon on Facebook and Twitter.

Exclusive Q & A with the Kastles' Bobby Reynolds

Bobby Reynolds is back for a second season with the Kastles following a stellar 2010 in which he was named the WTT Male Rookie of the Year.

Thus far in 2011, Reynolds has won four titles in five finals on the ATP Challenger Tour. Last Sunday, Reynolds teamed with Vasek Pospisil to capture the doubles championship at a Challenger in Guadalajara, Mexico, adding to titles he won in Leon, Mexico (singles and doubles), and Tallahassee, Florida (doubles) in April.

While competing in Mexico last week, Reynolds looked back on the 2010 World TeamTennis season and ahead to 2011 as he hopes to help the Kastles win their second WTT Championship.

Kastles: You were part of a team at Vanderbilt and now you're back for a second season with the Kastles. What is appealing about playing tennis for a team'

Reynolds: Tennis is such an individualized sport that any chance to play on a team is a blast. The amount of energy coming from my teammates on the bench gives me the added adrenaline on court. Sharing the success of winning as a team is second to none.

Kastles: What's your favorite memory from your first season of WTT'

Reynolds: Aside from the great crowds that come out to support the Kastles at home, the crazy road trips with the team are the memories that stand out the most.

Kastles: How do you feel your game fits the WTT's shorter scoring format'

Reynolds: I enjoy the shortened scoring format of World TeamTennis. You have to come out firing and be ready to go from the first point. I feel that with my serve and returns, I am in every game from the beginning.

Kastles: A lot of the WTT rules are different. If you could bring one over to the ATP World Tour, which would it be and why'

Reynolds: The one rule I love most is being able to have a coach on the bench. I think that the fans would be interested in what the coaches tell their players - and what is going on in the players' head - during the match.

Kastles: What's it like playing doubles with Leander Paes'

Reynolds: We have such a great time on the court together, always laughing, but always intent on winning that next point. I have learned so much just being on the same court with him... He makes everything look so easy.

Kastles: Between playing for the Kastles and at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, you've been to Washington quite a few times. What are your favorite things to do and places to see in DC'

Reynolds: A lot of tennis is being at the hotel or tennis facility, but DC has so much to offer in the city - from the landmarks to the great restaurants. I enjoy getting out at night and visiting all the unique places to eat in DC.

Kastles: Washington fell just short of a playoff spot last season. What are your thoughts on the team's outlook this season'

Reynolds: 2010 was a tough season to overcome, but I feel that the Kastles are the team to beat this year. There is not a weakness in our entire line-up . We're going to make teams come with their best every night in order to win.

Kastles: You've had a lot of success at Challengers in 2011. What's been the key to those results and what does it take to post similar results at the ATP level'

Reynolds: The early part of 2011 has been successful for me at the Challenger level. That success is a result of confidence in my game and fitness. I believe in order to transfer that over to the ATP level, I will need that same belief. The little things are the difference between winning and losing at all levels.

Final Training for Kastles Ballkids on Thursday That could be you behind Venus Williams!

Ever dream of watching Grand Slam champions Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Rennae Stubbs and Leander Paes play tennis from just a few feet away'

The Washington Kastles are looking for a select group of tennis-savvy ballkids to work at our seven home matches this season.

There isn't a bad seat inside Kastles Stadium at The Wharf, but the best view of the action is undoubtedly from on the court. As a Kastles ballkid, you'll be the envy of everyone, but your job is one of the most important components of a tennis match.

Kastles' ballkids make sure the matches run smoothly, gaining a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see tennis as few others ever have. With large stadium crowds and TV audiences, our ballkids are a key part of ensuring the world-class Kastles gameday experience.

You can submit the application and signed waiver via scan to Jillian@washingtonkastles.com, or via fax to 202-654-7070.

In order to be selected, you will need to attend our final tryout on Thursday, June 30th from 6-7 pm at the East Potomac Tennis Center at Hains Point. Click here for directions to the training site.

You can also bring the application and signed waiver with you to Thursday's tryout. Please wear shorts and tennis shoes, and be prompt!

The Meltzer Group and The Kastles: A Winning Team

The Meltzer Group is proud to sponsor the Washington Kastles again for the 2011 season. When it comes to financial services, we understand every individual and every business is unique.

Founded in 1982, The Meltzer Group prides itself in being known for providing clients exceptional service and innovative problem solving ideas in individual life insurance, group benefits and estate planning. We work with you and your adviser to tailor a plan that is designed to fit your specific needs.

At The Meltzer Group, client satisfaction is our highest priority. We believe that the clients' needs and desires are the most important factors in the insurance process and take an extraordinary amount of time and care to ensure that our clients receive the services and products they desire.

We are proud to take care of hundreds of thousands of people in the DC area and would love to add you to our list of valued clients. For more information on The Meltzer Group and the services we have to offer please call 301-581-7300 or visit Meltzer.com.

The 2011 Kastles Season is July 5-21, and tickets are going fast.



World TeamTennis Stories from June 28, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central