USA – This week the 39th season of the Mylan World TeamTennis (Mylan WTT) kicks off in the United States of America.
The Mylan WTT was the brain child of legendary tennis ace, Billie Jean King who co-founded the professional team tennis competition in the 1970’s based on a concept of gender equity showcasing the best in professional team tennis competition. Mylan WTT offers unique access to the sport and some of the greatest champions have played in the competition over the past four decades.
Seven franchises make up the Mylan WTT competition namely the Austin Aces, Boston Lobsters, Philadelphia Freedoms, San Diego Aviators, Springfield Lasers, Texas Wild and Washington Kastles.
South Africa is well represented in the 2014 competition.
Rik de Voest (Boston Lobsters), Raven Klaasen (San Diego Aviators), Kevin Andersen (Washington Kastles), John-Laffnie de Jager (Springfield Lasers, coach) and Brent Haygarth (Texas Wild, coach ).
South African Davis Cup Captain, John-Laffnie De Jager was named Mylan WTT coach of the year for the 2013 season.
Each of the teams will play 14 matches – seven home, seven away between 6 July and concludes with the Mylan WTT Finals on Sunday, July 27.
Former South African Fed Cup player, Ilana Kloss who is the CEO/Commissioner of Mylan WTT said that it was great that South Africa was well represented in the competition. “Being a South African always gives me great joy to see top South African professional sign each year for the competition. Over the years, South African’s have made an impressive mark on Mylan WTT and contributed largely to the overall success of the competition.”
Kloss confirmed that top ranked players of present and past including John Isner, Marion Bartoli, Andy Roddick, Vera Zvonareva, Victoria Azarenka, Martina Hingis, Venus Williams and James Blake would be part of this seasons competition.
