Serena and Venus Williams Return To Anchor Kastles Lineup

First Round Draft Pick Sam Querrey Acquired

Serena Williams and Venus Williams will return to lead the 2011 Washington Kastles after both were chosen in today’s World TeamTennis (WTT) Marquee Player Draft.

They will be joined for the first time by Sam Querrey, a California native and top 20player. The Kastles drafted Querrey with the Springfield Lasers’ first round Marquee Draft pick, which they acquired in a swap of later round Marquee Draft picks and for financial considerations.

Serena Williams is the defending Wimbledon singles champion and the French Open women’s doubles champion, and holds an impressive 27 career Grand Slam titles: 13 in singles, 12 in women's doubles and two in mixed doubles. She is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist in women’s doubles. The former #1 ranked player, currently #12 in the world, ranks fourth all time in Grand Slam singles titles in the open era and holds more Grand Slam titles than any other active female player.

Venus Williams has won 21 career Grand Slam titles: seven in singles, 12 in women's doubles and two in mixed doubles. She has also won three Olympic gold medals, one in singles and two in women's doubles. Currently ranked #6 in the world, Venus is the defending French Open women’s doubles champion and a five-time Wimbledon singles champion.

Querrey is currently ranked #18 in the world and holds six career ATP Tour singles titles, including back-to-back titles at the Farmers Classic in Los Angeles, and two doubles titles. He holds career wins over Andy Murray, Andy Roddick and James Blake and has represented the United States at the Olympics and in Davis Cup competition.

“We are thrilled to have Serena and Venus back in Washington to lead the Kastles, and for Sam to join them,” said team owner Mark Ein. “With all three on board, we are once again positioned to compete for the league championship.”

This will be Serena’s fourth season with the Kastles, and Venus’ second. The Kastles protected both players in today’s draft.

“Serena and Venus are two of the biggest stars in the game,” continued Ein. “Our commitment to our fans is to bring the top players in the world to Washington and do everything possible to have the best players on our side of the net. Adding Sam, one of the world’s best young players, is another affirmation of that pledge.”

“I am ecstatic over the return of Serena and Venus and the addition of Sam, which once again makes us the most talented team in the league,” said Kastles head coach Murphy Jensen. “I am excited to start this summer’s journey to bring the King Trophy back to D.C. for the league’s best fans.”

John McEnroe and Anna Kournikova will also return to Washington during the 2011 season, which runs July 4–24, as members of the New York Sportimes and the St. Louis Aces, respectively. The Kastles full 2011 schedule will be released in early March.

The rest of the 2011 Kastles roster will be determined during the March 15 WTT Pro League Roster Draft.

For more information about how to purchase tickets, email info@washingtonkastles.com, visit www.washingtonkastles.com.

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