2013 Mylan WTT Preview: New York Sportimes

2012 record: 9-5 (L in Eastern Conference Finals)
Owners: Claude Okin & Sportime Clubs
Key Additions: Anna-Lena Groenefeld, Kveta Peschke
Key Losses: Martina Hingis
Returners: John McEnroe, Jesse Witten, Robert Kendrick
Head Coach: Claude Okin

After a successful 2012 season, the New York Sportimes were left ruing missed opportunities after their loss to the Washington Kastles in the Eastern Conference Championship. Looking to stack their odds in women’s doubles and mixed, the Sportimes have drafted German doubles specialist Anna-Lena Groenefeld to join regular WTA Tour partner and last year’s New York substitute Kveta Peschke, solidifying what head coach and owner Claude Okin hopes to be an unstoppable team.

“We are very pleased to have the current number seven women’s doubles team in the world on our roster in Kveta and Anna-Lena . . . having two such experienced and consistent players, who play together every day on the WTA Tour, will make a huge difference in our capacity to win matches during the Mylan WTT season,” Okin said.

Among the returnees, Robert Kendrick will play his sixth Mylan WTT season, all with the Sportimes. Kendrick was on the 2005 Sportimes championship squad. He brings to the table experience from past successes and the ability to play singles at a high level. Jesse Witten, another Sportimes stalwart, provides depth to both men’s singles and doubles. He won Male Rookie of the Year in 2007.

“Our men, Robert and Jessie, have played for us since 2002, and for seven and six of those years, respectively. They love playing TeamTennis and they always leave everything on the court. So I am hoping that 2013 is no different.”

By and large, the Sportimes are sticking with familiar faces in 2013, hoping that team chemistry will keep them in the hunt for their second King Trophy. Rounding out the Sportimes squad is former great, John McEnroe. The American is playing his 13th season of Mylan WTT, and will play three matches this summer. Okin remarks, “When our inspirational leader, the great Johnny Mac, plays for us, he has to bring it as he usually does. If we do all that, we can win it all.”

With last year’s Conference Championship loss still fresh in the minds of the New York team, Okin makes it clear when the Sportimes are hoping to peak during the 2013 season: “Every match against Washington, we have had a bunch of match points over the last two seasons. We would like to win one of those this year, and we will likely have to if we are going to win the King Trophy.  Ours is a veteran team and we will have to prove that experience is key.”