World TeamTennis 2016: NY Empire 21, Washington Kastles 19

Aug. 8, 2016, Kastles Stadium at the George Washington University Smith Center, Washington, D.C. – As the reigning champion of the Mylan World TeamTennis (WTT) King Trophy – and as six-time champions over the past seven years – it was an unusual occurrence to see the Washington Kastles behind at home against the New York Empire after two sets were played.

The Empire’s Christina McHale overwhelmed Washington’s Madison Brengle in the Women’s Singles, 5-1, forcing the Kastles to play catch-up from then on.  Even under this dire situation, the Washington fans understood the complicated WTT format to know that a comeback was always possible.

The Kastles slowly inched back to contention by winning the Mixed Doubles, 5-4, and the Women’s Doubles, 5-2, cutting the overall score to 15-16.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.  The match ended with the Empire’s Marcus Willis (the British player who nearly retired, then tore through qualifying to make the second round at this year’s Wimbledon, losing to Roger Federer) beating Kastles’ Stephane Robert of France, 5-4, in the Men’s Singles.

Photos: World TeamTennis 2016: New York Empire 21, Washington Kastles 19
all photos by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine

Marcus Willis in action for the New York Empire. (photo by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine)