Rollers, first Las Vegas pro tennis team, to debut in Orlando

The Vegas Rollers, the city’s first professional tennis team, open Sunday on the road against the Orlando Storm.

The two expansion teams — Orlando also joined World TeamTennis this season — grow the league to eight teams. The league began in 1973.

The Rollers, who play home matches at Orleans Arena, have five consecutive road clashes before their home opener against the defending league champion Springfield (Mo.) Lasers on July 20. The 14-match season runs until July 31.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cruvxWdu6A&feature=youtu.be

“Vegas has become quite a professional sports town, and we can’t wait to add tennis into the mix,” said coach Tim Blenkiron, the former UNLV standout and a 1997 NCAA champion at doubles with Luke Smith. “Fans can expect the unexpected, not only from our all-star athletes, but the quality of entertainment and production that will go into each match.

“We are looking to follow the Knights by making this city proud with some opening season wins.”

The Rollers’ roster includes Asia Muhammad, a Las Vegan; Bob and Mike Bryan, who are the No. 1 doubles team in history; and top-ranked American Sam Querrey. Also playing in the team’s first season are Reilly Opelka, Matt Reid, Harriet Dart, Monica Puig and Henderson resident Evan Song.

Five of the Rollers’ seven matches at Orleans Arena have been chosen as themed nights. Their July 21 home match against the Philadelphia Freedoms will be televised nationally on CBS (KLAS-8).

Additionally, the WTT playoffs are Aug. 2-3 at Orleans Arena.

Tickets range from $19.50 to $89. More information is at vegasrollerstennis.com.

Jonathan Eskin can be reached at jeskin@reviewjournal.com.