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Why they will make the WTT Finals Weekend:
They have one of the best doubles players in the world in Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi and the Bryan Brothers will provide a nice spark for the Explorers in the July 16 match at Philadelphia. Chanel Simmonds, 19, is an up-and-comer who has won nine ITF titles. She can make some noise in the West.
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Why they might not:
Singles is the unknown element for the Explorers. They have to find their rhythm on the singles side of the court as well as doubles. Kansas City will have to take care of business in doubles in order to be successful but they need some singles success for the 2010 Championship team to return to the playoffs.
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Why they will make the WTT Finals Weekend:
Lindsay Davenport returns to MVP form. If she can take care of her matches, they should be a favorite for the playoffs. They are a strong all-around team with Anna-Lena Groenefeld, Travis Parrott, and John-Patrick Smith. Davenport’s experience, alongside the leadership of head coach Trevor Kronemann, should prove to be a successful combo.
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Why they might not:
If Lindsay Davenport cannot return to MVP form. It all starts with her for the Breakers. Groenefeld, Parrott, and Smith are a talented group, but team chemistry will be a huge part of their success. That chemistry and leadership will have to come from Davenport and Kronemann.
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Why they will make the WTT Finals Weekend:
On paper, they are arguably the deepest team in WTT. Mardy Fish and Sam Querrey, two of America’s best men’s tennis players, will appear in several matches for Sacramento. Mark Knowles is an established WTT player with 11 years of experience and three Male MVP awards. The Caps are the most successful team in WTT history but they have been looking for that elusive 7th Championship since 2007.
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Why they might not:
A lot of people say it takes strong women to win a Championship. Sacramento has the talent in Yasmin Schnack and Asia Muhammad but lack the experience. They will have to prove themselves early on to give Sacramento some momentum in the beginning of the season. Coco Vandeweghe should give the team a boost when she joins for roster for the final week of the seaon.
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Why they will make the WTT Finals Weekend:
They will be consistent, with four very solid players for nearly the entire season. Timea Babos, who is ranked No. 69 in the world in singles will miss the final week of the regular season as she heads off to compete in the Olympics. However Maria Sanchez, a former collegiate standout, will be there all three weeks to lead the team. Devin Britton was also very successful at the collegiate level, becoming the youngest player to ever win a NCAA singles championship. These players understand what it takes to play on a team but all will need to rise up to their potential in order for Springfield to get to Charleston
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Why they might not:
Springfield is inexperienced in the WTT format with three rookies and a second year player. They are also the youngest team in the LeagueThe power of team chemistry is underestimated in WTT, but a team needs a lot of it to advance deep into the playoffs. Veteran coach John-Laffnie de Jager has to pull them together early in a competitive, talent-laden Western Conference.
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