Watch World Team Tennis on ESPN

World Team Tennis is a professional tennis league that is played during the summer months, typically from July through August. The league consists of eight teams representing cities across the United States, including New York, Philadelphia, Orange County, San Diego, Springfield, Vegas, Washington, and Chicago. The format of the league is team-based, with each match consisting of five sets, including men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles.

The season begins with a draft where team owners select players from a pool of available talent. The players are then rated based on their ability, with each team being allocated a certain number of points to spend on their roster. This means that while teams can acquire big-name players, they also have to balance their roster with players who are affordable, skilled, and add depth to their line-up.

In terms of gameplay, World Team Tennis has a unique scoring system. Instead of playing for points like in traditional tennis, the winner of each set is the first player or team to reach five games. If the set is tied at 4-4, a tie-break is played to determine the winner. The team which wins the majority of the sets is declared the winner of the match.

One of the most exciting aspects of World Team Tennis is the emphasis on playing as a team. While tennis is typically an individual sport, in WTT players must come together to succeed. This means that tactics such as communication, teamwork, and synergy between teammates are incredibly important.

Moreover, each team is represented by celebrity coaches, who bring a unique aspect to the league. These coaches are often former star players, such as Martina Navratilova, John McEnroe, and Venus Williams. They play a crucial role in guiding their players and providing inspiration for their respective teams.

In addition, World Team Tennis has a passionate fan base. The league has a reputation for being a fun and family-friendly event, with a carnival-like atmosphere. The matches are played in smaller, more intimate venues, which allows fans to get up close and personal with the players. The league also encourages fan engagement, with various contests and games taking place during the match breaks.

Finally, World Team Tennis has gained significant exposure through its partnership with ESPN. The sports network provides extensive coverage of the league, with many of the matches being broadcast live on ESPN2. Moreover, the league has benefited from increased media exposure, with players being featured in interviews and magazine articles.

Overall, World Team Tennis offers an exciting new take on traditional tennis. The team-based format, unique scoring system, and emphasis on player-coach relationships make for a dynamic and exciting sporting event. With its passionate fan base and extensive media coverage, it is no surprise that World Team Tennis continues to attract new fans each season.