1977 World Team Tennis Standings

By Patrick Mondout

A number of franchise shifts occurred before the start of the 1977 WTT season. A new franchise was awarded to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia - sites that had already failed as WTT hosts. The Pennsylvania Keystones, as they were to be known, became the Soviet team before the season started. The Hawaii franchise moved to Seattle-Portland. The New York and San Diego franchises changed their names.

One disturbing trend remained unchanged as not a single team made a profit and the Soviet team in particular had trouble as it was without a home.

The Soviets folded after the season (the team, not the nation!).

The all-star game was held in San Diego with the East scoring a 23-18 win.

Quarterfinals

In the 1977 WTT Quarterfinals, Boston defeated Cleveland-Pittsburgh, New York beat Indiana,
Phoenix defeated Sea-Port and San Diego beat the Golden Gators.

New York over Indiana 89-63 (33-21, 25-27, 31-15)
Boston over Cleveland 78-68 (30-26, 20-21, 28-21)
Phoenix over Seattle-Portland 57- 40 (30-14, 27-26)
San Diego over San Francisco 48-43 (24-22, 24-21)

Semifinals

In the Semifinals, New York beat Boston and Phoenix defeated San Diego.

New York over Boston 58-41 (29-21, 29-20)
Phoenix over San Diego 83-74 (26-29, 27-20, 30-22)

Finals

The New York Apples defeated Phoenix for the 1977 WTT Championship. The two-time champion Apples were once again led by player/coach Fred Stolle and featured Billie Jean King, Sandy Mayer, Virginia Wade, Ray Ruffels, Lindsey Beaven, and Linda Siegelman.

New York over Phoenix 55-39 (27-22, 28-17)

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