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WTT Philadelphia Freedoms

Philadelphia Selects Mark Philippoussis and Meghann Shaughnessy In WTT Marquee Player Draft

April 3, 2002 - World TeamTennis (WTT)
Philadelphia Freedoms News Release


Tennis legend John McEnroe to visit in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA (April 3, 2002) - After capturing the 2001 WTT Pro League Championship as a first-year expansion franchise, the Freedoms reloaded at the Marquee Draft by selecting Australian superstar Mark Philippoussis and American Meghann Shaughnessy. Shaughnessy was selected by Delaware in the second round of the Marquee Player draft and in a post draft deal was traded to Philadelphia for financial consideration.

Tennis legend John McEnroe was also selected to make a visit to Philadelphia this summer. McEnroe, who will be playing for the New York Hamptons, returns to WTT for his third season with the Pro League.

"The tradition of high caliber tennis is a part of Philadelphia's rich tennis history, and WTT will continue to bring the best level of tennis to Philadelphia," said team General Manager Jeff Harrison.

Philippoussis started the 2002 ATP Tour season by playing into the men's singles final at Adelaide against Tim Henman and currently ranks #58 in the Champions Race. Last season, he returned from knee surgery to capture his ninth career singles title at Memphis. Philippoussis will forever be remembered for helping his Australian team win the 1999 Davis Cup title over France and for playing in the 1998 U.S. Open Finals against Patrick Rafter.

Shaughnessy enjoyed her best season on the WTA Tour in 2001, winning a singles title at Quebec City, a doubles title (w/ Callens) at the German Open, qualifying for the season-ending Championships and reaching a career-high singles ranking of #11. Currently ranked #13 on the WTA Tour, Shaughnessy started the season by playing into the women's singles final at Sydney against Martina Hingis. She also captured her third career doubles title at Gold Coast with Justine Henin.

During McEnroe's legendary career, he captured 17 Grand Slam titles, including Seven singles and nine doubles crowns. In 1999, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Rhode Island.

The remainder of the Philadelphia roster will be chosen in the WTT Roster Player Draft on April 10 and the season schedule will be released in late April. For more information about the Philadelphia Freedoms or to purchase tickets for the 2002 season, call 1-866- wtt-tixs or visit us at www.philadelphiafreedoms.com

Billie Jean King and Larry King originated World TeamTennis and its unique gender-equity team concept in the early 70s'. Since its inception, some of tennis' greatest names have played in the League, including Venus and Serena Williams, Monica Seles, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. The format features teams comprised of two men, two women and a coach. Each match consists of five sets, with one set each of men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles and mixed doubles. For more information on World TeamTennis, visit www.WTT.com.



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