2015 Male Rookie Of The Year Neal Skupski Named To New York Empire For Inaugural Mylan World TeamTennis Season

    NEW YORK, NY, July 22, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The New York Empire presented by Citi today announced that rising British doubles specialist and 2015 Mylan WTT Male Rookie of the Year Neal Skupski has been named to the 2016 roster for their inaugural Mylan World TeamTennis season presented by GEICO, at the venerable Forest Hills Stadium at The West Side Tennis Club, the home of the US Open for over 60 years. Skupski replaces Oliver Marach, who was selected this past week to participate in doubles for Austria in the Rio Olympics.

The Empire season will open on Sunday, July 31, against the five-time defending champion Washington Kastles now featuring Top 30 player and winner of 8 ATP singles titles Sam Querrey. In addition to adding Skupski to the Empire roster, Querrey, fresh off his win over Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, is expected be in action on opening night for the Kastles.

"We are very pleased that Oliver has been chosen for one of the greatest honors in all of athletics, to represent his country in the Olympic Games," said Patrick McEnroe, New York Empire head coach. "While we are disappointed he won't be joining us, we are proud to welcome one of Great Britain's rising stars, Neal Skupski as Oliver's replacement and know that he will add his own style and personality to liven up what already is going to be a great first season for our team."

Skupski was a standout collegiate player Louisiana State University before turning pro in 2013. The Liverpool native, who frequently teams with his brother, is currently ranked number 79 in the world in doubles and is coming off reaching the second round in doubles at Wimbledon just a few weeks ago. He and brother Ken reached the finals of the Kremlin Cup in 2013 and have won 10 Challengers and seven Futures doubles titles in their careers together.

The 2016 Mylan WTT season marks a return to professional tennis at one of the sport's most historic facilities. The restored facility will be configured to seat 2,500 for six home matches from July 31 through August 13. Patrick McEnroe will serve as the coach of the Empire, and former US Open champion Andy Roddick will be the team's marquee player along with New Jersey native, former Olympian and rising WTA star Christina McHale.

The Empire schedule, which includes promotions ranging from an opening-night celebration of all-time tennis greats Billie Jean King and Virginia Wade, LGBTQ Pride Night, Salute to Strong Women and International Night and a full roster of players can be found at http://www.NYEmpireTennis.com. You can also follow the team on Twitter (@nyempiretennis) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/NYEmpireTennis). To become a sponsor, purchase individual or season tickets or to get more information about VIP packages, please email [email protected], visit http://www.nyempiretennis.com or call the New York Empire office at (844) 5-EMPIRE (844-536-7473).

About the New York Empire
The New York Empire presented by Citi will play their first season at Forest Hills Stadium at The West Side Tennis Club. The restored facility will be configured to seat 2,500 for six home matches from July 31 through August 13. Patrick McEnroe will serve as the coach of the Empire, former US Open champion Andy Roddick will be a marquee player on the team, and New Jersey native and one of the top American women, Christina McHale headline the roster. The Empire roster also features Guido Pella of Argentina, and doubles specialists María Irigoyen also of Argentina and Neal Skupski of Great Britain. The stadium hosted the US Open Tennis Championships a total of 60 times, first from 1915 to 1920, and then again from 1924 to 1977. In addition, the finals of the Davis Cup were held at the club 10 times, more than any other venue. Currently, the stadium is also used as a music venue for concerts such as Bob Dylan and Paul Simon among many others.

About Mylan World TeamTennis presented by GEICO
The New York Empire is one of six Mylan World TeamTennis teams that will compete in the innovative professional team tennis league for the King Trophy, the championship trophy named after co-founder Billie Jean King. For more information on Mylan WTT, visit http://www.WTT.com.

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