WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV (WOAY) – In a year where not even sports leagues have been immune from a global pandemic, plans to start or resume leagues have required months of discussion and adjustments.
World TeamTennis was no exception, as they made the decision in late May to hold the entire 2020 season at the Greenbrier. Matches started on July 12, and three weeks later, the New York Empire edged the Chicago Smash in a championship match that emphasized the league’s motto that “every point matters.”
WTT is one of the few sports leagues worldwide that has allowed fans to attend, regardless of whether matches were at the Center Court at Creekside or moved indoors. CEO Carlos Silva says one of the reasons for the successful season is the strict protocols players had to follow, and sticking to the guidelines once they were set.
“It could’ve gone sideways, easily,” adds New York Empire head coach Luke Jensen.
Coco Vandeweghe, one of the championship MVPs for New York, was very appreciative of the Greenbrier being able to host the season, while Jack Sock, also a co-MVP, believes additional tennis events can look at the 2020 WTT season as an example for how to proceed in the future.
