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Can World Team Tennis be a stress reliever for pro touring players?

By Gale Moorman

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 12: (L-R) Mardy Fish, Madison Keys, Laura Robson and Andy Roddick attend the Maria Sharapova and Friends event presented By Porsche on December 12, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images for Porsche)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 12: (L-R) Mardy Fish, Madison Keys, Laura Robson and Andy Roddick attend the Maria Sharapova and Friends event presented By Porsche on December 12, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images for Porsche) /
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Players on the professional tennis tour may turn to World Team Tennis as a way of breaking from the norm and having some fun playing the sport they love.

World Team Tennis (WTT), founded by Billie Jean King in the 1970’s, has been a great gift for players on the pro tour and they’ve come from all countries, rankings and statuses in professional tennis to join the group.

"The idea is to kick back and relax. “…I think it’s a nice break from that normalcy, so for me, I enjoy it”, ATP’s John Isner ranked No. 21 commented concerning his need to be a part of the Team Tennis group.More from Lob and SmashCaroline Wozniacki gets her wild card for the Australian OpenTennis News: Rafael Nadal, Emma Raducanu and protected rankingsMartina Navratilova: Money lost by coming out was in the ‘millions’Tennis News: Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios and Matteo BerrettiniBoris Becker and Rick Macci bicker over Carlos Alcaraz"

The Wimbledon Championships was very exciting and beneficial for most players. Coco Vandeweghe, also ranked No. 21, plays for the San Diego Aviators.

"She says that Team Tennis holds a few advantages for her that are different from the WTA tour and mentions that “I really enjoy the team atmosphere…to have your teammates on the bench cheering for you and having a coach in your ear, things like that really help me excel”."

She is used to playing singles as a pro tennis player and many times the isolation becomes too much.

"Vandeweghe says also that “I’ve made so many friends playing WTT and I can’t thank Mylan WTT enough…”"

Retired player Mardy Fish plays on the NY Empire team along with Isner, Eugenie Bouchard, Kirsten Flipkens, Maria Sanchez and Neal Skupski. Fish had to leave the pro tour because of health reasons and besides golfing and other non strenuous activities, he plays Team Tennis a few weeks out of the season to keep in shape and meet teammates. Maria Sharapova, back on the pro tour after her doping ban has joined the Orange County Breakers. Doing so is a relief from having to qualify to play.

There are some players at World Team Tennis that have veteran status such as Isner and Venus Williams who has started her 6th season with the Washington Kastles. Sloane Stephens (Philadelphia Freedoms) has returned from a foot injury on the regular tour and uses the Team Tennis to keep her skills perfected. Frances Tiafoe one of the NextGen players also with the Freedom team enjoys the different style of play from the technicolored court to the change of rules and having teammates emotional support.

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Many are from another country and appreciate the chance to travel around the United States, playing against different cities and states they would never go to on tour. These include players such as Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium, Naomi Broady of Great Britain and Nick Kyrgios of Australia. Many more players round out the 6 teams comprised of the World Team Tennis group that are glad they have their teams to bounce back on for relief, excitement, friendship and fun. They only get a chance to participate with the group for the one month season and then return back on their professional tour, so it’s vital to get every chance to compete and have fun at a game they’ve all learned and loved since childhood.

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