The Springfield Lasers are the World Team Tennis champions. The team beat the top-seeded Philadelphia Freedoms 19-18 in the World Team Tennis championship final to win the King Trophy.
Springfield was behind in the final set, men’s singles, until rookie, Miomir Kecmanovic, won 5-3, which secured the title.
Springfield Mayor Ken McClure said in a statement Sunday, “this is a banner day for the Lasers, the Springfield-Greene County Park Board and the City of Springfield.” He said the team has made Springfield proud.
John-Laffnie “JL” de Jager has coached the Lasers for the last 12 consecutive seasons. This was Springfield’s first championship win, according to the City of Springfield, but the sixth shot at the King Trophy.
The Freedoms, with a 12-2 season record, had been favored to win. They took the court in their home city with the stands full of fans, including team owner and tennis legend, Billie Jean King, co-founder of the WTT league and namesake (along with her former husband, Larry King) of the King Trophy.
The actual King Trophy will remain in the care of the WTT league, but, a replica will be made to display in Springfield.
