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WTT Philadelphia Freedoms

Philadelphia Freedoms Defeated by Washington Kastles in Overtime

July 16, 2013 - World TeamTennis (WTT)
Philadelphia Freedoms News Release


(VILLANOVA, Pa.) - The Philadelphia Freedoms took to the court for their second home match of the season on Tuesday evening against the Washington Kastles, 2011 and 2012 Mylan World TeamTennis champions. The Freedoms lost to the Kastles in overtime, 22-18.

In mixed doubles, the Washington Kastles took the first set of the evening with Leander Paes and Martina Hingis dominating the Philadelphia Freedoms' Sam Groth and Liezel Huber, 5-1. Following the first set, tennis icon and Freedoms owner Billie Jean King was center court to present to Daniel Smith, 19, of West Lafayette, Ind., and Maddie Maloney, 16, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, the 2013 Novo Nordisk Donnelly Award. The awards provide scholarships to young tennis players living with diabetes. The two national winners receive one-time $5,000 scholarships towards education, tennis development, and/or medical care.

The Freedoms came back strong in the second set in women's doubles. The Kastles' Martina Hingis and Anastasia Rodionova fell to the Freedoms' Liezel Huber and Veronica Duval, 5-3. Both teams fought hard in men's singles for the third set which was tied 4-4 going into the final point. Ultimately the Kastles' Bobby Reynolds overtook the Freedoms' Sam Groth, 5-4.

During halftime the Philadelphia Freedoms honored the 40th anniversary of the legendary Battle of the Sexes match when Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs. The Chickie's and Pete's and Parx Casino special halftime presentation included an exhibition match to honor the 40th anniversary between celebrities Susie Celek and Julie Dorenbos and Mike Missanelli and John Clarke. Billie Jean King was on court to coach the ladies team who won the match!

The Kastles took the fourth set against the Freedoms with Victoria Duval falling to Martina Hingis in women's singles, 5-2. In the final set of the evening, the Freedoms brought fierce competition in men's doubles with Sam Groth and Jordan Kerr defeating the Kastles' Leander Paes and Bobby Reynolds, 5-3. The Freedoms win in the fifth set pushed the match into overtime which ultimately brought a win for the Kastles in a 1-1 overtime tie between Groth/Kerr and Paes/Reynolds.

The Freedoms next match is Wednesday, July 17 against the New York Sportimes at the Pavilion at Villanova University.

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