Washington Kastles > news > 2012 Kastles Schedule Released; Home Opener July 12

2012 Kastles Schedule Released;
Home Opener July 12 vs. New York

Exhilarating tennis, breathtaking views and the best sunset in DC return July 12.

(Photo by Vithaya Phongsavan)

A year after winning all 16 of their matches and a second world championship, the Washington Kastles will enjoy the longest homestand in franchise history when they return to DC's Southwest Waterfront this July.

The 2012 World TeamTennis schedule was released Wednesday, revealing that Coach Murphy Jensen's Kastles will start and finish their fifth season on the road. In between, the 2011 and 2009 WTT champions will host seven home matches in a 13-day span.

The Kastles will welcome Serena and Venus Williams back for one home match each this season. Venus comes to town July 16 when the Kastles meet the Boston Lobsters, while Serena, the longest-tenured Kastle in franchise history, will lead Washington against the Kansas City Explorers July 22.

This will be the last chance to see Serena and Venus before the start of the Olympic Games in London July 28. If history is any indication, they will leave DC victoriously. With a Williams sister in their lineup, the Kastles have won 14 consecutive matches dating back to their inaugural 2008 season.

After road meetings with the Orange County Breakers and Springfield Lasers, the Kastles open their home schedule July 12 against their heated rivals, the New York Sportimes. Former world No. 1 Martina Hingis will represent New York in a rematch of Washington's wild win over the Sportimes in a Supertiebreaker, which took place on the same exact date in 2011 at Kastles Stadium at The Wharf.

The Kastles will celebrate USTA/Family Night against the Philadelphia Freedoms July 15, with fun activities for kids and parents alike around the grounds of Kastles Stadium at The Wharf. One night later, Venus Williams returns with her undefeated record with the Kastles intact. But the Boston Lobsters will be seeking revenge following a 23-15 loss to the Kastles in the 2011 WTT Eastern Conference Championship match.

Another playoff team from 2011, the Sacramento Capitals, makes the cross-country trip to Washington July 18. The Capitals will bring big-serving American Sam Querrey, who once hit 10 straight aces in a match, along for the trip. When the Kastles meet newly-renamed Orange County July 20, Hall-of-Famer Chris Evert will be on site signing autographs and taking photos with fans in attendance.

Following Serena's lone appearance for the Kastles in 2012, Washington will meet Philadelphia in the home finale July 24.

This season promises more magical moments like Bobby Reynolds' Supertiebreaker win over St. Louis.

(Photo by Vithaya Phongsavan)

During their 16-0 run last July, the Kastles clinched a playoff spot with four matches to spare. But their previous two campaigns each came down to the season finale, with Washington earning a playoff berth at home in 2009, but falling short on the road in 2010.

That makes the Kastles' three-match road trip to end 2012 all the more important.

Stay tuned to Kastles' E-Newsletters for more information on individual match tickets, which will go on sale during the spring. In the meantime, season tickets to see the 16-0 Kastles play for their third WTT title in four years are now available.

For as little as $150, you could have the first choice of seats to all seven Kastles home matches in 2012, along with a package of perks exclusive for season ticket holders. Most matches sell out each season, so this is the best way to make sure you don't miss any of the action.

A very small supply of four-seat boxes and dinner tables are also on sale, providing fans with VIP hospitality, multi-course dinners and the best seats in the house. Visit WashingtonKastles.com or call the Kastles at 202-4-TENNIS (483-6647) for more information and to place your season ticket order today!

And don't forget to follow the Kastles on Facebook and Twitter for live updates of the 2012 WTT Roster Player Draft this Tuesday, March 13 beginning at Noon DC time. The first places to find out who will join Venus and Serena Williams on this year's team will be on the Kastles' social media sites, which also offer year-round player updates and exclusive content such as the Williams Sisters Sweepstakes!

WASHINGTON KASTLES 2012 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Where Featuring

Mon. 7/09 Orange County Away Lindsay Davenport (OCB)

Wed. 7/11 Springfield Away

Thu. 7/12 New York Home Martina Hingis (NYS)

Fri. 7/13 Boston Away Robby Ginepri (BOS)

Sun. 7/15 Philadelphia Home

Mon. 7/16 Boston Home Venus Williams (WAS)

Wed. 7/18 Sacramento Home Sam Querrey (SAC)

Fri. 7/20 Orange County Home

Sat. 7/21 New York Away Venus Williams (WAS)

Sun. 7/22 Kansas City Home Serena Williams (WAS)