Playing with pinpoint precision, Klaasen and Jurak needed only 13 minutes and a key service break to capture the mixed doubles set 5-2 and wrap up the victory for the Aviators, who improved their overall record to 4-2. San Diego is tied with the Philadelphia Freedoms (4-2) for first place.
“We are playing so good. Our team is rising with confidence. It’s looking good for us at the moment,” Jurak said as the Aviators celebrated their win on Stadium Court.
When asked what the key to her solid play against the Empire was, Jurak responded, “I adjusted to the conditions. Every day is a different court, different speeds. I also thought about the tactics on court and I combined it all together.”
TURNING POINT: With the Aviators leading New York 15-14, Mark Philippoussis and Raven Klaasen held a slim 4-3 lead in men’s doubles over Marcus Willis and Neal Skupski. With his signature power serve, Philippoussis served out the set to give the Aviators a well-earned 5-3 win in the set and a critical 16-14 lead over the Empire heading into the final set of the evening.
NEXT ON: The Aviators will travel to Newport Beach, Calif., on Monday to visit the Orange County Breakers at 6:05 pm Pacific. The Breakers’ line-up will include former world No. 1 Maria Sharapova and U.S. Davis Cup star Steve Johnson. Follow results on wtt.com/livescores or www.sandiegoaviators.com.
OTHER SCORES:
Philadelphia Freedoms defeat Washington Kastles 20-18
The hottest team in the league, the Philadelphia Freedoms, picked up their fourth win in a row by edging the Washington Kastles 20-18. Taylor Townsend once again won both of her sets, teaming up for 5-2 and 5-4 victories with Sloane Stephens and Fabrice Martin. Bruno Soares made his Mylan WTT debut for the Kastles when partnering Sam Groth to a 5-3 win in men’s doubles. The Freedoms and Kastles will square off for the second day in a row Monday when Venus Williams joins the Kastles for the first of two matches.
Orange County Breakers defeat Springfield Lasers 25-10
Yanina Wickmayer and Andreja Klepac combined to win 15 of the 19 games they played to lead the Orange County Breakers to a comprehensive 25-10 win over the visiting Springfield Lasers. Steve Johnson closed out the win by dismissing Benjamin Becker 5-2, moving the Breakers back to .500 on the season. Johnson will play his final match (of four) Monday against the Aviators in Orange County alongside Maria Sharapova, who returns after suiting up for the Breakers on July 16 in San Diego.
