Photo Blog: Washington Kastles fall to Austin Aces at the Smith Center

July 15, 2015

The Washington Kastles tennis team hosted their home opener at the Smith Center on Tuesday evening. Hoping to get their 35th straight win, the team played the Austin Aces, but fell 22-17. We went to the match to see Venus Williams and her fellow Kastles at their first appearance in D.C. this season:

Venus Williams waits for the Austin Aces' Women's Doubles pair to serve the ball during the match's second set. Desiree Halpern | Photo Editor — Venus Williams waits for the Austin Aces’ Women’s Doubles pair to serve the ball during the Tuesday evening’s second set in the Smith Center. Desiree Halpern | Photo Editor

Washington Kastles' Denis Kudla of Arlington, Va, backhands a ball during the men's doubles match, which he played alongside teammate Leander Paes. The set ended in a loss for the Kastles with a score of 5-3. Desiree Halpern | Photo Editor — Washington Kastles’ Denis Kudla of Arlington, Va, backhands a ball during the men’s doubles match, which he played alongside teammate Leander Paes. The set ended in a loss for the Kastles with a score of 5-3. Desiree Halpern | Photo Editor

Washington Kastles coach Murphy Jensen introduces his team at the beginning of the team match against the Austin Aces. CNN news anchor Wolf Blitzer was also in attendance at the match. Desiree Halpern | Photo Editor

Venus Williams represented the Washington Kastles in the women's singles set. Williams defeated opponent Nicole Gibbs of the Austin Aces with a score of 5-3 after trailing behind in the beginning of the set. Desiree Halpern | Photo Editor — Venus Williams represented the Washington Kastles in the women’s singles set. Williams defeated opponent Nicole Gibbs of the Austin Aces with a score of 5-3 after trailing behind in the beginning of the set. Desiree Halpern | Photo Editor

In an effort to save the men's doubles set, Leander Paes leaps for the ball. Desiree Halpern | Photo Editor — In an effort to save the men’s doubles set, Leander Paes leaps for the ball. Desiree Halpern | Photo Editor

The GW Hatchet

The GW Hatchet

The GW Hatchet

Photo Blog: Washington Kastles fall to Austin Aces at the Smith Center