"The WTT format closely parallels my philosophy in life. It’s all about men and women competing together on equal terms. In WTT and in my life we push for innovation, we strive for excellence and we want to set a high standard both on and off the court." -- Billie Jean King

After work on summer evenings,  employees in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area trade their briefcases for tennis racquets and join co-workers on the courts.   For the 2008 season, twenty-one co-ed teams competed weekly in four divisions (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5).

World TeamTennis (WTT) teams include at least two men and two women, and may include more players to allow for substitution during matches, vacation time, and to cheer on their fellow team members.  The fast-paced format also features no-ad scoring, playing of service lets, and tie-breakers played at five-all.  Remembering WTT's unique rules is a fun challenge for everyone!

Corporate World TeamTennis in the Twin Cities is sponsored by the World TeamTennis national organization, and participating companies.   Companies fielding WTT teams in 2008 included Boston Scientific, Ernst & Young, General Dynamics, General Mills, the Greater Twin Cities Tennis Association, Honeywell, Land O’Lakes, Lockheed Martin, Medtronic, MTS, PTC, US Bank, and USTA Northern. 

2008 Twin Cities Corporate Division Winners

The 2008 WTT Twin Cities league had a record-breaking number of teams and players. Many matches were decided in overtime or supertiebreakers, adding to the competitive spirit. 

3.0 Division. The Boston Scientific Spindevils, captained by Prasad Thorat, won the 3.0 division. Team members included Sarah Hoffman, Michael Howard, Bharat Jain, Elizabeth Merkel, Jessica Santos-Jimenez, Prasad Thorat, Rita Van Pelt, Rachael Voss, and Piotr Waszczuk.

3.5 Division. In the 3.5 division, the Boston Scientific Wenckebachers were undefeated. The team included members Shannon Floyd, Erin Higgins, Ursula Kuhrmeyer, Kathy Lundberg, Pratik Pandya, captain Kunal Paymaster, Sarah Peterson, Kella Prill, Aaron Stob, and Mark Wukawitz.

4.0 Division. The Boston Scientific Overhead Smashers earned the trophy for the 4.0 division. Team members included captain Craig Abrahamson, Kim Ebner Barnes, Michael Hub, Jack Litzau, Cindy Mattice, Megan Moore, Lugene Olson, Kevin Pratt, Russ Rothenberger, Derek Shaw, and Marina Taubenberger

4.5 Division. Medtronic, new to Corporate World TeamTennis this summer, won the 4.5 division.  Team members included Derek Beiningen, Josh Bliss, Dan Boulay, Sara Humann, Rob Mezera, captain Wenmei Qi, Megan Steiger, and Carl Wahlstrand.

 

All four division winners represented the Twin Cities at the 2008 World TeamTennis National Championship tournament in Indian Wells, California.

WTT History

Billie Jean King and Larry King created World TeamTennis in 1974. Today tennis players of all levels compete in recreational, corporate, collegiate, and professional WTT leagues. The corporate program began in 2005, with the Twin Cities among the first locations to host a league. Since then, the Twin Cities corporate league has experienced rapid growth as participants spread the word about the fun and competitive format.

Corporate League Format

WTT corporate leagues have co-ed teams competing in six no-ad sets: one set each of men's and women's doubles, men's and women's singles, and two sets of mixed doubles.  Substitutions, coaching, and cheering are allowed and encouraged.  Every game counts because it's the total number of games won from all sets that determines the winner for each match.  A team may even stage a comeback if it's behind at the end of the six regular sets, because an innovative tiebreak formula gives a second chance to win.

National Tournament

Winning teams in all divisions are eligible to advance directly to the WTT National Tournament.  If the National Tournament does not offer a 3.0 division, the Twin Cities 3.0 division winner is eligible to play at Nationals in the 3.5 division.  Nationals will be held on October 30 - November 1, 2009, in California at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden (home of the Pacific Life Open).  

Thinking of Joining the Fun?

Here's an overview of next steps for the 2009 season.

Captains

• Read the 2009 Season Announcement

• Read the Captain's Instructions 

• Read the Registration Instructions  

• Pick a team name and notify Bob Williams, the League Director at 763-488-9986 or e-mail xxxxwilliams@playwtt.com (please replace xxxx with bobf). 

• Register and pay for your team:  Register Now.  

• Let Bob Williams know that you've registered.  

• Recruit players for your team and have them register. 

Team Players

• Consider being a captain; read the Captain's Instructions.

• Read the 2009 Season Announcement.

• Read the Registration Instructions.  

• Register for World TeamTennis:  Register Now.  If you do not already have a team and a captain, we will try to find one for you.