Interview With Ilana Kloss, Ceo Of World Team Tennis

1) How does Andy’s (Roddick) participation in WTT affect the success of not just the team, but WTT as a whole?

Andy brings a tremendous amount of excitement whenever he is on the court so his personality is the perfect compliment to World TeamTennis. His style of play energizes his teammates and he also seems motivated by the format, enthusiastic crowd and being part of a team.

2) Andy did not play WTT last year but has committed himself to playing this year. What was the difference in the St. Louis Aces as far as the team is concerned and their motivation to play when he played versus when he didn’t?

It’s great to have Andy back this summer for WTT. He will be playing for the St. Louis Aces on July 16 at the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in St. Louis. The fans and his teammates in St. Louis are stoked about his return and are looking forward to battling for the Western Conference title and the King Trophy.

3) Elton John is a friend of Andy’s as well as a big ambassador of WTT. How has his support helped WTT achieve its success?

Elton has been a longtime friend of WTT co-founder Billie Jean King and a fan of World TeamTennis since the 1970s. Elton even wrote his hit song “Philadelphia Freedom” for Billie Jean. Each year Elton and Billie Jean co-host WTT Smash Hits, an annual charity tennis event that has raised more than $5 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Andy was kind enough to play in the 2004 Smash Hits and helped to raise a lot of money and awareness. Andy will be participating in the 2005 event this fall as well. Elton is also a big fan of Andy’s talent and generosity.

4) Does Andy have a close relationship with Aces owner Jack Levitt?

Andy has a good relationship with the Aces GM Jack Levitt and all the members of the Aces family. His work ethic and personality have won over lots of fans in St. Louis.

5) Does having ambassadors such as Elton John and Billie Jean King provide positive response from the athletes as far as their participation is concerned?

Many players have said that it’s an honor to participate in World TeamTennis, as well as WTT Smash Hits, because they not only enjoy the experience but they also have tremendous respect for what Billie Jean has done for the game. Players who have donated their time for WTT Smash Hits often express their admiration for Billie Jean and Elton’s commitment to fighting AIDS and are eager to give back as well. Tennis players have traditionally been very supportive of charitable causes.

6) Are there any rules in WTT that are different than those of pro tennis? If so, what are they and how are they significant to the game?

World TeamTennis has been the leader in implementing innovative rules and formats to make the game more fan-friendly. Instant replay, on-court coaching, no-ad scoring, playing lets and names on the back of the players’ shirts are just a few of the innovations you’ll find at a WTT match. Most importantly, the WTT format promotes gender equity as the only professional coed league in sports. Each team is comprised of two men, two women and a coach. Team matches consist of five events, with one set each of men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. The first team to reach five games wins each set. For more on WTT, visit www.wtt.com.

7) How was WTT established?

Billie Jean King and Larry King created the unique gender-equity team concept in the early 70s. The WTT Pro League first hit the courts in 1974 for a five-year run. After a short hiatus, the League returned in 1981 and has been a highlight of the annual U.S. tennis calendar for the past 25 consecutive years. This summer the League will celebrate its 30th season of play.