WTT Wraps Another Successful Year

September 15, 2009 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff

In the 34th season of Advanta World Team Tennis Pro League (WTT), the New York Sportimes treated New York tennis fans to a great season of tennis action and a very entertaining prelude to the upcoming U.S. Open. This season was the first year since 1978 that New York City has been home to a WTT franchise. The Sportimes were led by New York City tennis legend John McEnroe, and played at the spanking new, $16 million Sportime Tennis Center on Randall’s Island.

It was a very successful season for the Sportimes, although they came up just a bit short of a championship, falling in the semifinals. The Sportimes won their division with a 10-4 match record, but lost to the Washington Kastles in a tight semifinal matchup played in Washington, D.C. The Kastles then went on to defeat the Springfield Lasers in the finals to win the 2009 WTT Championship.

John McEnroe was the big draw playing for the Sportimes in three of their home matches. In addition, several marquee players played on Randall’s Island this summer against the Sportimes. Serena Williams, the Bryan Brothers, and tennis legend Martina Navratilova all made visits to New York for WTT action this season.

As part of WTT’s efforts to broaden the appeal of tennis, the Sportimes offered the opportunity for underprivileged children and their families to experience WTT professional tennis at a NY Sportimes match. In addition, prior to a match, Serena Williams presented a free clinic for children, each of whom received a free tennis racquet courtesy of the Sportimes, the Randall’s Island Sports Foundation and Advanta.

It was a great inaugural season at Randall’s Island for the Sportimes, and here’s to looking forward their triumphant return in 2010.

WTT 2009 Season Final Standings
x-clinched playoff spot/y-clinched number one seed for Conference Championship

Western Conference

Team MP W L PCT MB
1. y-Springfield Lasers 14 2 2 .857
2. x-Newport Beach Breakers 14 9 5 .643 3
3. Sacramento Capitals 14 6 8 .429 6
4. Kansas City Explorers 14 6 8 .429 6
5. St. Louis Aces 14 5 9 .357 7

 

Eastern Conference

Team MP W L PCT MB
1. y-New York Sportimes 14 10 4 .714
2. x-Washington Kastles 14 7 7 .500 3
3. Boston Lobsters 14 7 7 .500 3
4. Philadelphia Freedoms 14 4 10 .286 6
5. New York Buzz 14 4 10 .286 6

 

For more information, visit www.wtt.com.

Scenes From the 2009 WTT New York Sportimes Season

 

 

 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
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