WTT 2012: Kastles begin home season with win over New York

Washington, D.C., July 12, 2012 – The defending World Team Tennis champion Washington Kastles extended their unbeaten streak to 19 matches in a row with a win over Martina Hingis and the New York Sportimes, 20-18.  Bobby Reynolds clinched the victory in the final singles match with a 5-4 victory over Jesse Witten.

Hingis, the former world No. 1 with 14 Grand Slam titles  under her belt (five in singles and nine in doubles), played in three of the visiting Sportimes’ five matches against Washington.  She defeated Anastasia Rodionova in singles, 5-2; and teamed with American Ashley Harkleroad to beat Rodionova and younger sister Arina in the women’s doubles, 5-3.  Teaming with Robert Kendrick, Hingis lost in the mixed doubles in a close match, 5-4(1) to her singles opponent Rodionova and Leander Paes.

Prior to the match, the Kastles were honored with championship rings in recognition of their unbeaten run en route to the 2011 title.  They were the first team in World Team Tennis’ 36-year history to win the championship following a perfect regular season.

Photo Gallery: Kastles d. Sportimes, 20-18
all photos by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine

Video: Martina Hingis press conference
video by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine

In this press conference excerpt, Hingis talks about playing as part of a team and looks back at her doubles career.