(From the City of Springfield)
Springfield Lasers team member and 2014 French Open mixed doubles champion Jean-Julien Rojer has announced he will not be able to play Mylan World TeamTennis this season, due to a back injury.
Rojer, 32, from Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, helped lead the Springfield Lasers to the 2013 Mylan WTT Western Conference Championship, earning the league’s Male MVP award. Rojer partnered with Lasers teammate Anna-Lena Groenefeld to win the French Open mixed doubles trophy in June, coached by Lasers Coach John-Laffnie de Jager. Rojer made it to the third round in men’s doubles at Wimbledon last week. He had also entered mixed doubles with Groenefeld, but Rojer withdrew from competition as his injury became apparent.
Rojer contacted Springfield Lasers ownership representation Bob Belote just days before the season opener with the news that a lower back injury would prevent him from playing.
“I cannot begin to tell you how much I looked forward to another season with the Lasers family there in Springfield,” Rojer said in an e-mail. “WTT was definitely a highlight on my schedule.”
Belote said the team is disappointed to lose a star player, but relieved that doubles specialist Ross Hutchins had agreed to replace Rojer on the Lasers roster.
“It’s tough to lose a MVP,” said Belote. “We’ll miss Jules and his charisma. But Ross is a world-class doubles player, and we’re very fortunate to get him. Coach JL was really pleased to add him to the roster, and he’s certainly up to the task.”
Hutchins, 29, lives in Wimbledon, a suburban district of London, England, home to the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Hutchins competed in men’s and mixed doubles in his hometown tournament just last week. He has five doubles titles and is currently ranked No. 143.
The Springfield Lasers home season opens Sunday, July 6 and continues through July 23 at Mediacom Tennis Stadium, in Cooper Tennis Complex, 2331 E. Pythian, Springfield. Matches begin at 7 p.m. Gates open at 5:30, with live music 5:30-6:30. Concessions and the VIP Food Center both open at 5:30.
Grandstand tickets are $10 (July 6, 7, 18 and 23) $15 (July 12 and 17) and $20 (July 13.) Box Seat tickets, season tickets and VIP packages are also available. To purchase tickets, call Cooper Tennis Complex at 417-837-5800.
For more information, visit springfieldlasers.com or look for Springfield Lasers on Facebook or @SGFLasers on Twitter. For more information on Mylan WTT, visit wtt.com.
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