Philadelphia Freedoms

Overview

The team traces its origins to WTT's inaugural season, in 1974. The original team starred tennis legend and social pioneer Billie Jean King, who had beaten Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes" the previous year.

Other members of the team were: Fred Stolle (Australia), Brian Fairlie (New Zealand), Buster Mottram (UK), Julie Anthony (US), Tory Ann Fretz (US), Betsy Nagelsen (US) and Kathy Kuykendall (US).

Julie Anthony later married the owner of the team, Dick Butera, and they settled in Aspen, Colorado, where she practices as a sports psychologist. Nagelsen married the late Mark McCormack, the founder and chairman of International Management Group. McCormack who represented Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan amongst others, was often referred to as one of the most powerful men in sports. Mottram was a controversial figure who spoke publicly about his extreme right wing views and made unsuccessful attempts to become a Conservative candidate for the British Parliament. Stolle was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985. Fretz was inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Hall of Fame in 1999.

Pop singer Elton John was a friend of Billie Jean King's, and was invited to participate in a promotional match during one of the team's games. In return, he was later inspired to write a song about King, also called "Philadelphia Freedom." In 1974, the Freedoms had the league's best regular-season record, but were upset by the Denver Racquets in the championship game. The following year, the Freedoms merged with the Boston Lobsters.

Current roster

• USA Craig Kardon, Head Coach
• United States Caroline Dolehide
• USA Taylor Townsend
• France Fabrice Martin
• USA Taylor Fritz
• USA Raquel Atawo
• USA Donald Young

2020 season

Main article: 2020 Philadelphia Freedoms season

2019 season

Main article: 2019 Philadelphia Freedoms season

During the 2019 WTT draft, the Freedoms protected Taylor Townsend, Fabrice Martin and Raquel Atawo. The Freedoms also drafted Adrian Menendez-Maceiras with the 7th pick in the first round.

Later, the Freedoms signed Donald Young who was the 2017 French Open men's doubles finalist, Danielle Collins who was a Seminfalist at the 2019 Australian Open, Grigor Dimitrov who has eight ATP Tour titles to his name, and Tommy Paul, who was #129th in the world in men's singles at the time of his signing.

2018 season

Main article: 2018 Philadelphia Freedoms season

While the Freedom's played their home games at Hagan Arena at St. Joe's, the championship game was held at the Daskalakis Athletic Center at Drexel University. The Freedoms took on the Springfield Lasers and lost the first two sets of the match in men's and women's doubles and went down 10–5 at the half. However, the Freedoms managed to re-take the lead 15-14 following two convincing wins in mixed doubles and a dominating woman's singles performance by Taylor Townsend. The championship came down to the final set in the form of men's singles where Kevin King took a 3–1 lead over Miomir Kecmanović. However, Kecmanović stormed back and won four straight games including a break of King twice to give Lasers a 19–18 victory and a Championship.

2017 season

Main article: 2017 Philadelphia Freedoms season

2016 season

Main article: 2016 Philadelphia Freedoms season

2015 season

Main article: 2015 Philadelphia Freedoms season

Once again, the Freedoms hosted seven home matches at the Villanova Pavilion. Serena Williams was drafted to play for the Washington Kastles at Philadelphia on July 20, 2015, but sustained an elbow injury that prevented her from playing. The Bryan brothers and Eugenie Bouchard played for the California Dream and the Boston Lobsters, respectively, at Philadelphia in the last two home matches.

The Freedoms made it into the Eastern Conference Finals against the Washington Kastles. In a game played on the Kastles' home court, the Freedoms lost 25-9 and fell short of making it into the championship match.

2014 season

Main article: 2014 Philadelphia Freedoms season

The Philadelphia Freedoms played 14 regular season matches in the 2014 season, and hosted 7 of them at the Villanova Pavilion. Victoria Azarenka played for the Freedoms against the San Diego Aviators; Andy Roddick also made an appearance at a home match, playing for the Austin Aces.

The Freedoms made it into the playoffs but lost to the Washington Kastles before they could reach the Eastern Conference Finals, achieving their best season since 2007. Team member Marcelo Melo was named the 2014 WTT MVP.

2013 season

The Philadelphia Freedoms competed in 14 matches throughout the 2013 World TeamTennis season. They hosted seven home matches at the Villanova Pavilion featuring marquee players including: Andy Roddick, Sloane Stephens, John McEnroe, Martina Hingis and Bob and Mike Bryan. Coached by Josh Cohen, the Freedoms fell short of a playoff run and ended the 2013 season with a record of 5–9.

During the 2013 season, the Philadelphia Freedoms also welcomed a new member to their team. They unveiled their new mascot, Nettie, at their home opener against the Springfield Lasers with the help of World TeamTennis co-founder Billie Jean King.

2012 season

The Philadelphia Freedoms competed in the 2012 World TeamTennis season. The Freedoms hosted seven home matches at the Villanova Pavilion and competed in seven away matches. This season featured marquee players including: James Blake, Ryan Harrison, John McEnroe, Mark Philippoussis, Bob and Mike Bryan, and Martina Hingis. This was head coach Josh Cohen's first season leading the Freedoms. The Freedoms ended their season with a record of 5–9.

Team rosters

2019 roster

• USA Craig Kardon, Head Coach
• Bulgaria Grigor Dimitrov
• Spain Adrián Menéndez Maceiras
• USA Danielle Collins
• USA Donald Young
• France Fabrice Martin
• USA Raquel Atawo
• USA Taylor Townsend
• France Adrian Mannarino
• Spain Feliciano López
• USA Mitchell Krueger
• USA Tommy Paul

2018 roster

• USA Craig Kardon, Head Coach
• United States Sloane Stephens
• USA Taylor Townsend
• France Fabrice Martin
• South Africa Kevin Anderson
• USA Raquel Atawo
• USA Kevin King
• Canada Gabriela Dabrowski (substitute)
• USA Jackson Withrow (substitute)

Former Freedoms players

• Andre Agassi, 2009
• Prakash Amritraj, 2010
• James Blake, 2012
• Björn Borg, 2011
• Beatrice Capra, 2011
• Julia Cohen, 2011
• Jimmy Connors, 2001
• Ramón Delgado, 2010
• Joshua Eagle, 2004
• Brendan Evans, 2011
• Luka Gregorc, 2012
• Sam Groth, 2013
• Nathan Healey, 2011
• Jordan Kerr, 2012
• Madison Keys, 2009
• Noppawan Lertcheewakarn, 2010
• Courtney Nagle, 2010
• Martina Navratilova, 2003
• Daniel Nestor, 2007
• Frédéric Niemeyer, 2007
• Eric Nunez, 2009
• Melanie Oudin, 2011
• Jessica Pegula, 2013
• Mark Philippoussis, 2012
• Karolína Plíšková, 2012
• Kristýna Plíšková, 2012
• Patrick Rafter, 2004
• Lisa Raymond, 2007
• Andy Roddick, 2010
• Chanda Rubin, 2006
• Sloane Stephens, 2013
• Fred Stolle, 1974
• Rennae Stubbs, 2006
• Venus Williams, 2009

References

References

1. George, John. (January 26, 2010). "Philadelphia Freedoms of World Team Tennis moving home court to Villanova".
2. "Philadelphia Freedoms to serve up new home court, new lead sponsor".
3. "2020 Team: Team Roster".
4. (August 5, 2018). "Lasers Claim First WTT Title In Dramatic Win Over Philadelphia".
5. "Freedoms Announce Home & Visiting Team Updates".
6. "2015 Home Schedule Highlighted by Marquee Visits from Serena, Bryans & Bouchard".
7. "Freedoms Fall To Kastles In Eastern Conference Final".
8. "Grand Slam Champions highlight Philadelphia Freedom's 2014 schedule".
9. "Freedoms Fall To Kastles 21-16 In Eastern Conference Finals".