It Was All About the 'V'
The Washington Kastles held their season home-opener last evening against the Philadelphia Freedom with the face of Wimbledon, Ms. Venus Williams.
The home opener gave many the chance to see why Venus is one of the reigning all-time darlings of women’s professional tennis, as she lobbed, rallied, and scored to help avenge her team to a win over our Washington Kastles.
Williams won all three of her contests, clearing the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles matches she played, giving the Kastles (now, 0-3) a 23-16 loss on the evening.
Williams' competitive style of play had Kastles' coach Murphy Jenson challenging (via instant replay) where a few of Venus' tennis balls landed, and had a Philly Freedom player yell, "Take it easy, V!" as Williams returned serve.
Williams was also on the winning team of ‘Kids vs the Pros’ mini match during a half-time performance that featured Kastles’ Leander Paes, and hosted a youth tennis clinic earlier in the day with several DC area youth.
An exciting men’s double match between Kastles‘ Scott Oudsema vs Philly’s, Nathan Healy ensued and unfortunately set the tone for the evening. Oudesman went to the wire with Healy rallying, scoring, and had the home crowd on their feet anticipating that Oudesman would outscore Healy for the final point in the match during a very close 5-4 session. But it was Healy who provided the winning attempt, giving the Freedom the 6-4 win.
The Kastles will get another chance to get their first win of the season tonight when they host the St. Louis Aces, with tennis favorite Aces star Anna Kournikova. Kournikova will not play due to a wrist injury she sustained earlier this month. The Aces’ Ashley Weinhold will play in Anna’s stead.
Fans get the chance to see the other half of the Williams sisters, Serena - this year’s Wimbledon champion - on July 14th when the Kastles take on the Newport Beach Breakers. John McEnroe will grace the area with his presence on July 16 before the Kastles take on last year’s WTT defenders the New York Buzz.
The Kastles are part of World Team Tennis organization co-founded by former tennis great, Billie Jean King. See all the WTT teams here.
Seen at the match: Wizards' Jarvaris Crittenton (who shared that last evening’s match was his first professional tennis match); Caron Butler, and Oleisky Pecherov; former Redskin, Darrell Green; WHUR’s former host/now host of WAMU 88.5, Kojo Nnamdi. Also present was DC Mayor Fenty (also big supporters) and family with new addition Aerin Alexandra Fenty. (We told you last year that the new addition would be along with twin brothers Andrew and Matthew to cheer on the Kastles, and indeed Aerin looked to be enjoying every moment).
Side bar: Venus was also seen around U Street this week, and partying at a local DC lounge.
The Washington Kastles held their season home-opener last evening against the Philadelphia Freedom with the face of Wimbledon, Ms. Venus Williams.The home opener gave many the chance to see why Venus is one of the reigning all-time darlings of women’s professional tennis, as she lobbed, rallied, and scored to help avenge her team to a win over our Washington Kastles.
Williams won all three of her contests, clearing the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles matches she played, giving the Kastles (now, 0-3) a 23-16 loss on the evening.
Williams' competitive style of play had Kastles' coach Murphy Jenson challenging (via instant replay) where a few of Venus' tennis balls landed, and had a Philly Freedom player yell, "Take it easy, V!" as Williams returned serve.
Williams was also on the winning team of ‘Kids vs the Pros’ mini match during a half-time performance that featured Kastles’ Leander Paes, and hosted a youth tennis clinic earlier in the day with several DC area youth.
An exciting men’s double match between Kastles‘ Scott Oudsema vs Philly’s, Nathan Healy ensued and unfortunately set the tone for the evening. Oudesman went to the wire with Healy rallying, scoring, and had the home crowd on their feet anticipating that Oudesman would outscore Healy for the final point in the match during a very close 5-4 session. But it was Healy who provided the winning attempt, giving the Freedom the 6-4 win.
The Kastles will get another chance to get their first win of the season tonight when they host the St. Louis Aces, with tennis favorite Aces star Anna Kournikova. Kournikova will not play due to a wrist injury she sustained earlier this month. The Aces’ Ashley Weinhold will play in Anna’s stead.
Fans get the chance to see the other half of the Williams sisters, Serena - this year’s Wimbledon champion - on July 14th when the Kastles take on the Newport Beach Breakers. John McEnroe will grace the area with his presence on July 16 before the Kastles take on last year’s WTT defenders the New York Buzz.
The Kastles are part of World Team Tennis organization co-founded by former tennis great, Billie Jean King. See all the WTT teams here.
Seen at the match: Wizards' Jarvaris Crittenton (who shared that last evening’s match was his first professional tennis match); Caron Butler, and Oleisky Pecherov; former Redskin, Darrell Green; WHUR’s former host/now host of WAMU 88.5, Kojo Nnamdi. Also present was DC Mayor Fenty (also big supporters) and family with new addition Aerin Alexandra Fenty. (We told you last year that the new addition would be along with twin brothers Andrew and Matthew to cheer on the Kastles, and indeed Aerin looked to be enjoying every moment).
Side bar: Venus was also seen around U Street this week, and partying at a local DC lounge.
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Kastles: Highlights of the loss to the St. Louis Aces--7/8.