Williams routed in singles, but Kastles roll to win
As a girl, when Venus Williams picked up a tennis magazine and saw a list of the top 200 players in the world, she aspired to be one. So much for setting the bar too high.
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These days, the world’s former No. 1 player, now 32, finds inspiration from another source, younger sister Serena, 30.
“Did you see her serving at Wimbledon?” Venus asked children at a clinic Monday afternoon at Kastles Stadium at the Wharf. “It was insane.”
Insane is one way to describe the accomplishments of the Williams sisters, who have a combined 21 Grand Slam singles titles, including five each at Wimbledon after Serena’s victory on July 7.
Before the Washington Kastles faced the Boston Lobsters on Monday night, Kastles owner Mark Ein delivered another honor to Venus, a World TeamTennis championship ring.
Then Williams went about the business of helping the Kastles defend their title and league-record winning streak. With a 20-11 domination of the Lobsters, the Kastles won their 22nd straight match — and did it with first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia seated above the baseline. The Kastles resume Wednesday night at home against the Sacramento Capitals and Sam Querrey.
According to Williams, Monday night’s appearance was more than ceremonial. It was a much-needed tuneup for the Olympics. The last time Williams played was three weeks ago, a humbling 6-1, 6-3 loss to Elena Vesnina that resulted in her first exit in the opening round of Wimbledon since her debut there 15 years ago.
“It’s very important for me,” Williams said before Monday’s match. “This will be my only match before the Olympics. It’s my preparation. I’ve been at home since Wimbedon. It’s been a week in training.”
Williams had mixed results Monday night, appearing sharp in two doubles sets before suffering a 5-0 loss in singles to counterpunching Irina Falconi, who had little trouble dealing with Williams’ power game and broke her serve three times.
“I cooled down and I couldn’t get it started back up again,” Williams said of her singles match, which came after sitting out a set. “I made errors, and she made her shots.”
The singles match was a surprise considering how Williams played in her opening set, in which she combined with Leander Paes for a 5-1 victory over Eric Butorac and Carly Gullickson-Eagle as the Kastles remained undefeated in mixed doubles.
Williams followed by teaming with Anastasia Rodionova in women’s doubles for an equally lopsided 5-1 victory over Falconi and Gullickson-Eagle. Williams served the final game and delivered the clinching point, volleying the winner between her overmatched opponents.
The Kastles’ men had another stellar night. In doubles, Bobby Reynolds and Paes throttled Jan-Michael Gambill and Butorac 5-0. Reynolds closed the night against Gambill, remaining undefeated with a 5-4 victory.
