When the Washington Kastles play their home opener tonight on the D.C. Waterfront, they bring an 18-match winning streak against Martina Hingis and the Boston Lobsters (1-1). The streak would not be intact, however, were it not for the clutch play Wednesday night of one of the newest Kastles.
With a 5-3 victory in women’s singles, Anastasia Rodionova clinched a 20-18 win for defending World Team Tennis champion Washington at the Springfield (Mo.) Lasers.
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Rodionova, 30, used savvy play on important points to topple Timea Babos, 19. Rodionova won both games that went to 3-all. She also converted on her lone chance for a service break, while fending off all three break points on her own serve.
In joining her younger sister, 22-year-old Arina, with the Kastles (2-0) this season, Rodionova has replaced a WTT legend and former league MVP, Rennae Stubbs. In women’s doubles, the sisters have yet to gel, losing both their sets. But in mixed doubles, Rodionova and Leander Paes have combined to win 10 of 13 games, including a 5-2 victory Wednesday over Maria Sanchez and Devin Britton.
The Kastles’ other winning set against Springfield came in men’s singles as Bobby Reynolds provided Washington a quick start with a 5-3 victory.
