2013 Mylan WTT Preview: Philadelphia Freedoms
How will Billie Jean King's signature team fare in 2013?
2012 Record: 5-9 (4th in the East)
Owner: World TeamTennis / Billie Jean King
Key Additions: Sam Groth, Liezel Huber
Key Losses: Karolina Pliskova/Kristyna Pliskova
Returners: Jordan Kerr
Head Coach: Josh Cohen (2nd year as head coach)
Despite entering the 2012 season with a completely revamped line-up, the Freedoms ended last summer still searching for answers with a second consecutive fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Looking to strike a balance between old and new, Billie Jean King’s signature team has kept Aussie Jordan Kerr for his second Mylan WTT season and brought in some new blood with the help of countryman Samuel Groth and former doubles No. 1 Liezel Huber.
In his second year as Head coach, Josh Cohen is optimistic the team to whom an Elton John song is dedicated can turn things around in 2013. “I believe our team will be cohesive, competitive, and bring their best effort every night. Doubles and singles are equally important in Mylan WTT and I feel there are no weaknesses in any of our positions.”
Kerr is an efficient doubles player and, with nine ATP titles to his name, “a fierce competitor,” marvels coach Cohen. Once ranked in the top 25 in men’s doubles, he should continue to prove beneficial for the Freedoms. Joining the Freedoms fray is the big-serving Groth, who helped lead the Kansas City Explorers to the King Trophy in 2010. At an ATP Challenger event in Busan, Groth hit a 163.4 mph serve, which stands in the record books as the fastest ever hit.
Not lacking in experience is former doubles No. 1, Liezel Huber. Playing her 12th season with Mylan WTT, the Freedoms hope the American will make women’s doubles a Philadelphia stronghold. “Liezel is one of the best doubles players of all time, and brings a wealth of world class experience and has been very successful in the Mylan WTT arena.”
American up-and-comer Jessica Pegula was scheduled to round out the Philadelphia squad, but is unfortunately out the season with a knee injury. USC graduate Maria Sanchez filled in for the Freedoms' opening two matches, but the team is still looking for a permanent substitute.
After two tough seasons, the Freedoms are primed to catch fire in 2013 with a strong lineup. How quickly the new team will gel will be especially important in a Conference full of big names and big match experience.