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2012 MARQUEE DRAFT DRAWS ON
AMERICAN TALENT OF PAST AND PRESENT
 On a day that traditionally recognizes lovers - not players, the WTT Pro League franchises captured the Valentine's Day spirit and drafted a crowd of talent that fans are going to love watching this July. With six current or former World No.1s from the U.S., the 2012 Marquee Draft picks, including John McEnroe, Lindsay Davenport, Bob and Mike Bryan, and Serena and Venus Williams, make up an all-American class.
Among the other top-tier players chosen in this draft were Mardy Fish, Martina Hingis, James Blake, Mark Philippoussis and John Isner, all who have played for WTT teams in the past.
For more information on the Marquee Draft selections and when to check in for the 2012 WTT Pro League schedule and Roster Draft selections, click HERE.
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WTT REC LEAGUE SEASON KICKS OFF IN HOUSTON
 | The Bad Aces, of Houston, Texas, went 4-0 to take
the 4.0 Division title at the Houston National Qualifier. |
The WTT Rec League held its first National Qualifier of the 2012 season February 17-19 in Houston, and four teams advanced to the WTT National Finals at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, Calif., from
November 2-4.
Teams from Indiana, Oklahoma and Texas took to the courts for a shot at the 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and Senior 4.5 Division titles. The Indiana-based Tree Huggers won the 3.5 Division while the Bad Aces of Houston were a force to be reckoned with in the 4.0 field. Vote for Pedro and the Texas Twisters both captured titles in the combined 4.5 and 4.5 Senior Divisions allowing them to advance to the Finals later this year.
Read the full results from the Houston National Qualifier HERE, or visit www.WTT.com/RecLeagues for more information on Recreational League programs.
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USTA TENNIS ON CAMPUS - GET SOME LOVE
USTA Tennis On Campus provides college students with opportunities for team camaraderie, social networking and rivaled competition through tennis without the rigors of a varsity program. Coed team-based play is offered, as are regional and national championships, which utilize the exciting World TeamTennis format. Tennis On Campus helps students maintain active and healthy lifestyles through their college years. If you played tennis on your high school team and miss the competition, or if you're new to tennis and are just looking to meet some friends who share the same interest - Tennis On Campus is for you!
Photos: camerawork usa, inc.
Upcoming Tennis On Campus Events:
February 21-22: USTA Eastern Championship, Syracuse, N.Y.; USTA Southern Championship, Auburn, Ala.
February 25-26: USTA Northern Championship, Lakeville, Minn.
March 2-4: USTA Texas Championship, College Station, Texas
March 10-11: USTA Missouri Valley Championship, Overland Park, Kan.
April 12-14: 2012 National Championship, Cary, N.C.
April 20-22: 2012 Spring Invitational, Tucson, Ariz.
USTA Tennis On Campus & World TeamTennis have been partners for years to ensure that more tennis is played on college campuses. For more information about USTA Tennis On Campus visit www.tennisoncampus.com
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VICTORIA AZARENKA WINS 2012 AUSTRALIAN OPEN
WITH WILSON'S NEW JUICE™ RACKET
In the first of the 2012 Slams, 22-year-old Victoria Azarenka not only won her first ever Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, but also rose to the WTA world No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career. In her definitive two-set win over Maria Sharapova, Azarenka, who was playing in her first major final, became the first player in WTA history to bypass the No. 2 spot in the rankings en route to No. 1.
Using her Wilson Juice™100 racket, Azarenka used her firepower to defeat Sharapova soundly, who had won the tournament four years ago. After having her serve broken in the opening game and being down 2-0, Azarenka's power and endurance prevailed to take 12 of the next 13 games and the match away from Sharapova.
Since switching to Wilson and its Juice racket, Azarenka is undefeated in 2012. with a 17-0 record. Her run at the Australian Open was also highlighted by her win over defending champion Kim Clijsters in the semifinals, after claiming the Sydney International title prior to the Grand Slam tournament.
Read more on Azarenka's Australian Open title and the Juice™100 racket that helped her earn it HERE.
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 Photo: Danny Reise
With the first pick of 2012 Marquee Draft, the Philadelphia Freedoms
chose Mark Philippoussis. The former world No. 8 originally played for
the Freedoms in 2002 and will be competing in his fourth WTT season this July.
For more information on the Marquee Draft and who will be joining Philippoussis in Philadelphia visit www.WTT.com/MarqueeDraft. |
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The Washington Kastles' owner Mark Ein was inducted into the Mid-Atlantic Tennis Hall of Fame. Click here for more on the evening and the honorees or a check out WTT co-founder and Hall-of-Famer Billie Jean King's tribute to Ein.
And don't miss Serena and Venus Williams when they return Washington to defend the Kastles' title this July!
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The New York Sportimes will once again host two home matches in Albany at SEFCU Arena on the Campus of the University of Albany. When the Pro League season rolls around this summer, Venus Williams, of the Washington Kastles, and John Isner, of the Boston Lobsters, will each be featured in a match against the Sportimes in Albany.
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In 2012, the Southern California franchise in the World TeamTennis Pro League will have a new name and home court. The Orange County Breakers will play their seven home matches this July at the Bren Events Center on the University of California, Irvine campus. Tickets for the Breakers 10th season go on sale following the WTT Roster Player Draft on March 13. For more information on the Orange County Breakers, visit www.breakerstennis.com.
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GO ONLINE WITH WTT
Connect with World TeamTennis online to keep up
with the latest WTT news and announcements.
Check out our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.
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AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME
WTT would like to congratulate the Top 10 WTT Rec League Directors of 2011.
Shawn Alford Portland, Ore. David Bell Raleigh, N.C. Laura Burke Tulsa, Okla. Bob Cusolito Woburn, Mass. Pam Glick New York, N.Y. Scott Hanover Kansas City, Mo. Carol Jory San Diego, Calif. Pat Purcell Saint Louis, Mo. Steve Riggs Irvine, Calif.
TCTA
Albany, N.Y.
(Names listed in alphabetical order.)
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of these and many others across the country, WTT Rec League continues to thrive! |
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2012 WTT REC
LEAGUE CALENDAR
REC LEAGUE
NATIONAL QUALIFIERS
Feb. 17-19
Copperfield Racquet &
Health Club
Houston, Texas
March 9-11
Florida Tennis Center (CLAY)
Daytona Beach, Fla.
April 27-29
Darling Tennis Center
Las Vegas, Nev.
July 13-15
Plaza Tennis Center
Kansas City, Mo.
July 20-22
Bass River Tennis Club
Beverly, Mass.
August 17-19
Millbrook Exchange Tennis Center
Raleigh, N.C.
September 28-30
Heritage Park
Irvine, Calif.
October 5-7
Hempfield Sports Complex
Landisville, Pa.
Rec League Finals
November 2-4
Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Indian Wells, Calif.
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What are the benefits of playing in a WTT Rec League?
In addition to the competitive and fun on court experience, there's even more off the court for WTT members -- ticket discounts to WTT Pro League matches and major professional tennis tournaments; along with discounts for Hyatt hotels, National Car Rental and AMC Theatres.
See a full list of WTT member benefits HERE.
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Official Sponsors
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If there was ever a time and a place to meet Billie Jean King, the 2012
US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Training Center would be it. This August, one Grand Prize winner will have the chance of a lifetime to attend Opening Day of the US Open in King's own personal suite. The lucky winner and their guest will be rewarded with a meet and greet with the tennis legend, a two-night stay in a New York area hotel and cash spending money for the trip.
Read more about the sweepstakes, the runners-up prizes and the Official Rules HERE. |
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