Photo and video credit: Brendan Kownacki
What did you do last night? For some around DC, the answer was march into sports history by tying the record for longest consecutive winning streak in professional sports.
We’re talking, of course, about the WTT champion Washington Kastles who are living out their mantra of “Refuse to Lose” as they kicked off another season Monday night.
First Lady Michelle Obama “Refuses to Lose”
The FLOTUS Files:
The new season began with bumps before the first serve hit the court, but that didn’t stop anyone for a second. Veteran Kastle’s player Venus Williams had to bow out of this season’s play after an injury during the French Open.
It couldn’t keep her away though; Williams was courtside with Coach Murphy Jensen to help cheer on and inspire the twice reigning World Team Tennis champs who won 32 consecutive matches in a row over two champion years.
Jensen and Williams at the press conference
The VENUS files:
The current sports record stands at 33 consecutive wins, held by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1970’s. The Kastles have their eyes on it though. Monday’s match over the New York Sportimes marked win 33 for the Kastles and one step closer to the record on their own. Coach Jensen said that he keeps a cool head and tries not to think about the record by the simple fact that Monday’s match really means starting over; a new game, a new season and if that brings anything with it, then so be it. A humble answer that keeps every player in the right mindset.
With the exit of Venus, Swiss tennis phenom Martina Hingis stepped in to join the Kastles and helped catapult them through their impressive 33rd win. Hingis was a perfect compliment to the likes of Anastasia Rodionova, Bobby Reynolds (fresh from a run at Wimbeldon) and team captain Leander Paes. Paes showed early on a command of the court proving why he has been a six-time Olympian.
Martina Hingis
The HINGIS files:
Venus Williams may have been sidelined to cheer on the Kastles, but she wasn’t the only big name to do so Monday as they closed in on the record.
First Lady Michelle Obama quietly joined the crowd and stayed around through the last serve to make sure she soaked in every secon of Kastles spirit. Mrs. Obama has been a long time fan and has attended several matches with her mother and daughters.
Also on had was Presidential Adviser Valerie Jarrett, DC Mayor Vincent Gray, White House chef Sam Kass, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer and tennis legend Billie Jean King.
Kastles owner Mark Ein joins Valerie Jarrett
Tuesday the Kastles vie for number 34 and a crown on top of an unbelievable kingdom of wins. Coach Jensen points out though, win or lose the record, the Kastles have won over the people of DC, and with that, what more could you ask for?
We’ll say it anyway, GO Kastles!
