Philadelphia Freedoms

This article is about the tennis team currently playing in WTT. For the team of the same name that played in WTT in 1974, see Philadelphia Freedoms (1974).
Philadelphia Freedoms
Founded 1974
Current season 2015
League World TeamTennis
Team history Philadelphia Freedoms
1974, 2001–present
Based in Villanova, Pennsylvania
Stadium Cabrini College (2001-2007)
King of Prussia Mall (2008-2009)
The Pavilion (2010-Present)
Colors

Navy blue, red, white

              
Owner(s) Billie Jean King
Head coach Josh Cohen
Championships 2001, 2006
Mascot Nettie King

The Philadelphia Freedoms is a tennis team currently competing in World TeamTennis.

Overview

For more details on the original Philadelphia Freedoms franchise, see Philadelphia Freedoms (1974).

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 (U.K.), 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 (also a 2006 member of WTT).

The current team joined WTT in 2001. Before the beginning of the 2008 season, the Philadelphia Freedoms announced they would be leaving their previous home at Cabrini College. Their home matches would be played at the tennis stadium outside the King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (located near Philadelphia) from 2008 to 2009. For 2010, the Freedoms announced they would move to The Pavilion on the campus of Villanova University.

2014 Season

The Philadelphia Freedoms season will kick off by visiting the Springfield Lasers on Sunday, July 6. Their home opener will be on Tuesday, July 15 at the Villanova Pavilion against the San Diego Aviators. The Freedoms will host seven home matches.

July 6: Philadelphia Freedoms @ Springfield Lasers
July 8: Philadelphia Freedoms @ San Diego Aviators
July 10: Philadelphia Freedoms @ Washington Kastles
July 11: Philadelphia Freedoms @ Texas Wild
July 12: Philadelphia Freedoms @ Austin Aces
July 13: Philadelphia Freedoms @ Washington Kastles
July 15: Philadelphia Freedoms vs. San Diego Aviators (Victoria Azarenka - PHL)
July 16: Philadelphia Freedoms vs. Springfield Lasers
July 17: Philadelphia Freedoms vs. Washington Kastles (Venus Williams - WAS)
July 18: Philadelphia Freedoms vs. Boston Lobsters
July 20: Philadelphia Freedoms @ Boston Lobsters
July 21: Philadelphia Freedoms vs. Austin Aces (Andy Roddick - AUS)
July 22: Philadelphia Freedoms vs. Boston Lobsters
July 23: Philadelphia Freedoms vs. Washington Kastles

Current squad

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.

Former Freedoms Players

See also

External links

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