WTT Washington Kastles

Tiafoe and Kastles Look to Go 2-0 Tonight

Published on July 16, 2018 under World TeamTennis (WTT)
Washington Kastles News Release


WASHINGTON - The Washington Kastles began their 2018 campaign last night with a record of 1-0 after a 22-18 win against the New York Empire, the very first match of the 43rd season of World TeamTennis presented by Geico. The Kastles will play the first of seven home matches tonight at 7:00 pm at Kastles Stadium at the Smith Center in the second night of a back-to-back, home and away with the Empire.

The Kastles will play four home matches over the next six days, featuring a talented roster fresh off major success at Wimbledon.

Francis Tiafoe, the College Park native, became the youngest American to win an ATP event since Andy Roddick in 2002, when he took home the Delray Beach title earlier this year. He returns to his hometown squad for the second year, coming off a third-round appearance at Wimbledon which was his first time reaching that stage of a Grand Slam in his fast-rising career. He moved into the top 50 (#45) for the first time this week. He'll be joined by Kastles veteran Madison Brengle, the team's longest-serving player and clincher of the 2015 King Trophy.

Robert Lindstedt of Sweden, who has an Australian Open Men's Doubles title and three Wimbledon finals on his resume, is a new addition to the Kastles roster under Head Coach Murphy Jensen, entering his tenth season as the Kastles' leader. Jensen owns six WTT championships in his previous nine years at the helm.

Lindstedt, owner of 22 ATP titles and ranked as high as #3 in the world, will be joined in the doubles column starting Thursday by Nicole Melichar, a new owner of her first Grand Slam title. Melichar teamed with Alexander Peya for a 7-6 (1), 6-3 win over defending champion Jamie Murray and former #1 Victoria Azarenka. Murray teamed with Kastles legend Martina Hingis to capture last year's mixed crown. Melichar also teamed with WTT veteran Kveta Peschke to finish as the runner's up in the Wimbledon ladies' doubles tournament.

Melichar will be joined on Thursday at 7 pm at Kastles Stadium by teammates who have a number of Grand Slam titles of their own.

Mike and Bob Bryan, the winningest doubles team in tennis history, return to Kastles Stadium for their third year. Mike teamed with fellow American Jack Sock to win the gentlemen's doubles title at Wimbledon, giving him 17 career Grand Slams, which ties him with John Newcombe for most all time. Mike will also regain the world #1 ranking, adding to his own career record for most weeks at number one at 455 weeks. Together, the brothers have won 16 Grand Slams, 116 tournaments, the Davis Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal. They'll join Melichar, Tiafoe, Lindstedt and Brengle against the San Diego Aviators.

On July 25 and 26, the legendary Venus Williams will return to Kastles Stadium for her 7th season with the six-time champions. Williams was a member of the undefeated Kastles squads in 2011 and 2012 and was the WTT Finals MVP in 2012. Williams has won 40 WTA singles titles, including seven Grand Slam championships, and is a former world #1 in singles and doubles.

"Coming off a great Wimbledon for our players, we are very excited for this season to start. It's always good to win the first one, especially against a conference rival on the road, but this franchise always thrives at home in front of our fans," said owner Mark Ein. "It's going to be a big, electric crowd tonight and a memorable week at Kastles Stadium with Frances joining this team. Hopefully, we can keep winning in front of our fans and get off to a quick start in the playoff race."

After tonight's match, the Kastles are back at Kastles Stadium on Wednesday and Thursday nights, with both matches starting at 7 pm. The defending champion Orange County Breakers are Wednesday night's opponent. Saturday's battle against the Empire begins at 5:30 pm.

For the first time in league history, every WTT match can be watched at WTT.tv presented by GEICO. For more information visit www.wtt.tv.

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