Former World No.1 Venus Williams became the latest tennis celebrity to join the World TeamTennis 2020 event this year. (Getty Images)
World TeamTennis 2020 which features nine franchises will kick off from July 12
Former World No.1 Venus Williams became the latest tennis celebrity to join the World TeamTennis (WTT) 2020 tournament on Thursday.
World TeamTennis is a mixed-gender league that features nine teams in major markets. The teams vie for the King Trophy, which is named after tennis legend and co-founder Billie Jean King.
Venus, who has featured in the World TeamTennis event earlier will be taking part in it for the 15th time and will play for Washington Kastles.
Apart from Venus, other big names, who have signed up for the tournament include 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens and twins Mike and Bryan, who have won 16 Grand Slam doubles titles together.
Unlike before, the WTT’s 45th Season will feature nine teams with new franchise Chicago Smash being the latest addition. T
he Chicago-based team will be coached by Kamau Murray and Eugenie Bouchard, Evan King, Brandon Nakashima, Rajeev Ram, and Sloane Stephens are its players for the upcoming edition.
Apart from Chicago Smash, the other eight teams are New York Empire, Orange County Breakers, Philadelphia Freedoms, San Diego Aviators, Springfield Lasers, Washington Kastles, Orlando Storm, and Las Vegas Rollers.
The World TeamTennis 2020 regular-season calendar will showcase nine teams and 66 matches over 22 consecutive days.
This year’s edition will kick off from July 12 until August 2 at the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia.
World TeamTennis’s 2020 regular season broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date. However, CBS and CBS Sports Network will broadcast select matches. Other matches will be streamed online at ESPN+ and WTT.com, the league’s official website.
Follow our dedicated Tennis page for instant Tennis news and updates