WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV (WOAY) – Entering the weekend, all nine World TeamTennis squads were still eligible for one of the four playoff berths.
By Sunday, both Philadelphia and Chicago had clinched semifinal spots with matches to spare, and following Monday’s matches, there are now five teams in contention for the remaining two spots.
Orange County Breakers began the day needing a win over a Chicago team in the running for the top seed; thanks to Steve Johnson and Jennifer Brady each winning their respective singles sets 5-1, the Breakers defeated the Smash 23-16 to remain in contention. Johnson, who teamed up with Brady to win the mixed doubles set and then won the clinching game with Austin Krajicek in men’s doubles, was named Player of the Match.
Also on Monday, Springfield kept its hopes for a third straight WTT championship alive with a 24-19 win over Vegas, while Orlando edged San Diego 19-15. The results eliminate both Vegas and San Diego from playoff contention.
Three matches are planned for Tuesday, three on Wednesday, and four on Thursday to close the regular season. Both semifinals will be on Saturday, with the championship scheduled for noon Sunday.
World TeamTennis standings through July 27
Philadelphia Freedoms: 9-2 (clinched playoff berth)
Chicago Smash: 9-3 (clinched playoff berth)
Orlando Storm: 8-4
New York Empire: 6-5
Washington Kastles: 5-6
Orange County Breakers: 5-7
Springfield Lasers: 4-8
Vegas Rollers: 4-9
San Diego Aviators: 3-9
