New York Empire vs Washington Kastles: WorldTeamTennis Preview and Prediction

As the race for the playoffs heats up, two teams placed in similar position face off each other tonight. Both the New York Empire and Washington Kastles have faced mixed fortunes this season with five wins and five losses each.

Runners-up in the previous edition, the Empire are coming to this clash with a loss against Chicago Smash. They would have to get their doubles combination right. With the legendary Kim Clijsters a certainty, the team would have to opt for Kveta Peschke ahead of Hailey Baptiste.

With a comprehensive win against the San Diego Aviators, the Kastles would be oozing with confidence. 

The pair of Venus Williams and Arina Rodionova will aim to continue their good run. 

New York would have an edge in the doubles clash as Jack Sock and Neal Skupski are in red-hot form.

 The pair stunned the Bryan brothers just two days ago. Washington's Nick Monroe and Marcelo Arevalo would look to give a fight. 

With Clijsters getting much-needed rest by not playing the previous match, she would be raring to prolong her unbeaten run. The Kastles would have to choose between Bernarda Pera and Williams. Fielding the veteran Williams would be their best chance to win in a clash of two titans.

The men's singles promises to be an interesting clash as the unpredictable Jack Sock takes on fellow compatriot, Tommy Paul. Interestingly, both Sock and Paul are coming to this match with defeats against Brandon Nakashima of the Chicago Smash. 

Sock would have to reserve his energy for the mixed doubles encounter as he has won his last two matches partnering Clijsters. They will have to play their best tennis as Pera and Arevalo are no pushovers. 

The team that wins today can take a step further to the knockouts. 

While New York will target an encore of their performance last year, the Kastles would be searching for inspiration having won their last title, five years ago. 

Prediction - New York Empire to win 

Featured image credits: espn.com