WTT 2017: Bryan Brothers power Kastles to victory over San Diego

“We’ve played World TeamTennis matches all over the country,” Bob Bryan said in a press conference before their home matches. “We’re happy to be on a winning team.” (photo by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

July 20, 2017, Kastles Stadium at the Smith Center, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. – Making the most out of their Washington Kastles debut, the Bryan Brothers, Bob and Mike, did not disappoint their fans and powered the Kastles to a defeat of the visiting San Diego Aviators.

In the first set of the Men’s Singles, the Kastles’ Frances Tiafoe, playing in place of the injured Nick Kyrgios, traded game for game with the Aviators’ Ryan Harrison, but lost the nine-point tiebreaker.

The Kastles’ women’s doubles team of Madison Brengle and Anastasia Rodionova traded a break each with Aviators’ Darija Jurak and Shelby Rogers, but also ended up losing the set likewise in a nine-point tiebreaker.

Behind by two points after two sets, Rodionova played with the Bryan Brothers in the Mixed Doubles, taking the overall team lead with a 5-2 win.

The steady play by Brengle, who won 23 of the 38 points played, helped to defeat Shelby Rogers in the Women’s Singles, 5-2.

With an overall lead of four points going to the final set, the Bryans overpowered their opponents, Raven Klaasen and Harrison, winning 22 of the 33 points played and closing the match with little resistance, 5-2. Washington’s 23-16 victory improved their 2017 World TeamTennis win-loss record to 3-1.

Photos: Washington Kastles 23, San Diego Aviators 16
all photos by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine