Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams was set to join the Washington Kastles this year for a fourth successive season, but the back injury that forced her to drop out of doubles matches in the French Open earlier this year means she’ll be unable to play at Kastles Stadium this summer. She’s replaced by Martina Hingis in two home games July 8 and 9, and one away match in Texas July 10.
“My lower back injury has not recovered to where it needs to be for me to play Mylan World TeamTennis this summer,” said Williams in a statement. “I love playing team tennis so I am really disappointed that I will not be able to compete with my Washington Kastles teammates this month, or to play in front of the fans in Washington, DC and Irving, Texas.”
Hingins, a former world number one with five Grand Slam titles to her name, will play for the Kastles July 15 through 24. This is her first year with the Washington Kastles after two seasons with the New York Sportimes. The Kastles will name an additional female player to the team for matches scheduled on July 10, 11, and 13.
