King of Prussia, Pa. (February 3,
2009) - The Philadelphia Freedoms
protected the rights to 2009 Australian Open doubles champion Venus Williams in
the Advanta World TeamTennis Pro League Marquee Player Draft today. Currently
ranked No. 6 in the world, Venus has won seven Grand Slam singles titles in her
career including last year’s Wimbledon crown. In addition to her combined 11
Grand Slam doubles and mixed doubles titles, Venus represented the U.S. in the
past three summer Olympics and captured two gold medals. This is Venus’ fifth
year playing for the Freedoms team.
The Freedoms also selected visits from
Serena Williams, John McEnroe and Anna Kournikova. This past week Serena
Williams regained her No. 1 ranking by winning the 2009 Australian Open singles
and doubles titles. Those bring her Grand Slam win count to 10 singles and 8
doubles. She holds at least one singles title from each Grand Slam event, and
has won two Olympic gold medals with her sister Venus. Serena will be making her
first WTT appearance against the Freedoms when she plays this July for the
Washington Kastles.
Besides being remembered for his
audience-capturing antics, John McEnroe (New York Sportimes) is also known as
one of the greatest players in tennis history. McEnroe captured 155 singles and
doubles titles during his career - 77 singles and 78 doubles - an Open Era
record. His 17 Grand Slam crowns include seven singles, nine doubles and one
mixed doubles title. He was ranked No. 1 in singles for 170 weeks, fifth best
in history, and No. 1 doubles at 270 weeks, an all time record. McEnroe will be
making his third consecutive appearance in the market.
Anna Kournikova, who was protected by
the St. Louis Aces, will be making her first visit to play the Freedoms since
2003. Kournikova has 16 career doubles titles including two Grand Slam titles.
She was ranked as high as No. 8 in singles. Kournikova was a member of the
Russian Olympic team in 1996 and in 1997 became the second woman in the Open era
to reach the semifinals of Wimbledon in her debut appearance.
“We are hopeful to add three more
marquee players in the coming weeks,” said Barbara Perry, Freedoms’ General
Manager. “It will be a great experience with the biggest names in tennis in a
great outdoor setting.”
The 2009 Advanta WTT Pro League season
runs July 2-26, concluding with the Advanta WTT Championship Weekend. Dates for
the Marquee Player appearances will be announced when the League schedule is
released later this month. Team lineups will be finalized at the WTT Roster
Draft on March 31 in Miami. The Freedoms’ 2009 home site is back at the King of
Prussia Mall. Season ticket packages will go on sale this month. For more
information about the Freedoms or season tickets, please call 866.WTT.TIXS //
302.774.4238, or visit us at www.philadelphiafreedoms.com.
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