The Vegas Rollers bring professional team tennis to town. It’s a game about spectacle (and party rock) as much as sport.
The Vegas Rollers are the latest name added to our growing roster of sports teams. The team-tennis squad consists of nine players who hail from as far as the United Kingdom and Australia.
But what exactly is team tennis?
“It takes tennis to a whole other level,” says Sally Dewhurst, general manager of the Vegas Rollers. “Entertainment is a big theme of it.” Spectators can expect choreographed dance numbers to kick off matches, DJs spinning between sets, and lots of merch giveaways. “It’s essentially a celebration of tennis,” says Tim Blenkiron, head coach.
In terms of format, team tennis is a mixed-gender tennis league featuring five sets, with one set each of men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. The first team to win five games wins the set. If the set is tied at 4-4, then a nine-point tie-breaker is played.
“There is a healthy tennis community in Las Vegas,” Blenkiron says. “Having world team tennis will bring tennis to the forefront in Las Vegas.” Blenkiron hopes the Vegas Rollers will be the first step in bringing professional tennis to Las Vegas.
And the Rollers’ emphasis on spectacle and entertainment makes Vegas a fitting home. In fact, in May, Redfoo of Grammy-winning electronic duo LMFAO — an avid tennis player and enthusiast — signed on as the Rollers’ honorary assistant coach for the upcoming season. He perhaps summed up the spirit best when he said in a press release, “I’m here to give the Rollers party rockin’ vibes. And to inspire them to take home the trophy! Yeahhhhhhh baby!”
The Vegas Rollers’ first home season match is July 20 at the Orleans Arena. Info: vegasrollerstennis.com.