Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Mayor Adrian Fenty stopped by for a photo-op, about 20 reporters and TV cameras were on hand, and two mascots rollicked around the court. All of this before the big star arrived.

That will change tonight.

Serena Williams is scheduled to play in her first and only match in Washington at Kastles Stadium, when the Kastles (2-0) open their home schedule against the Boston Lobsters (0-2) and officially bring World TeamTennis to this city.

"We're in this for the long term and to build a franchise in D.C. over a really long time frame," Kastles owner Mark Ein said. "This lets us get off to the best possible start and exposes people to the league and the team in the best possible way."

Although Williams wasn't present, there was plenty going on yesterday at Kastles Stadium, located at 11th and H streets NW, as team and city officials helped introduce the new facility with a news conference -- and a game of tennis. After smiling for the cameras and making statements, Fenty and D.C. Council member Jack Evans, wearing suits and dress shoes, engaged in a light volley with Kastles team members Sacha Jones and Scott Oudsema.

"I'm a great fan of the game," Fenty said. "I've got a great respect for the game, and I love this World TeamTennis. I love the fact we got a franchise. I love that it puts the city on the map in the tennis world."

Williams finished second to her sister, Venus, on Saturday for the ladies' singles title at Wimbledon. Later that same day, the sisters teamed up to win the doubles championship. A sellout crowd of nearly 2,200 is expected for Serena's match tonight.

"Serena Williams will be playing here [Tuesday] night," Fenty said. "It doesn't get any better than that."

-- Mark Viera