Tennis: OC Breakers Battle San Diego Aviators To Final Set

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — World Team Tennis' opening day in West Virginia saw a spirited battle between two California teams.

Courtside seats were covered, and the stadiums devoid of fans amid the coronavirus pandemic, though competitors arrived ready to play. San Diego's head coach sidelined due to awaiting coronavirus results may have provided a rallying point for the club.

The San Diego Aviators defeated the Orange County Breakers, 23-16, in the final set of a spirited match to close out World TeamTennis’ opening day tripleheader at The Greenbrier in West Virginia.

With the Aviators holding a 18-16 advantage heading into the final set of Mixed Doubles, player/coach Ryan Harrison made the right call by starting Jonny O’Mara and Nicole Melichar. The team of O’Mara/Melichar blazed out to a 4-0 lead over the combo of Luke Bambridge/Andreja Klepac and Stevie Johnson/Jennifer Brady, who were substituted in down, 2-0.

Harrison, coaching in place of John Lloyd who was not on the sidelines as he awaits his on-site COVID-19 test results, subbed himself in at 4-0 to claim the final game on serve and preserve the 5-0, fifth set shutout.

“He (Harrison) really knows how to get me going in matches. It was unfortunate that Coach Lloyd wasn’t able to be with us tonight, but I trust Ryan,” said Christina McHale on her brother-in-law. McHale won the fourth set over Jennifer Brady, 5-4, in a tiebreaker.

San Diego Aviators defeat Orange County Breakers, 23-16

Men’s Singles: Ryan Harrison (SD) def. Stevie Johnson (OC), 5-4 in tiebreaker

Women’s Doubles: Coco Vandeweghe/Nichol Melichar (SD) def. Andreja Klepac/Jennifer Brady (OC), 5-3

Men’s Doubles: Luke Bambridge/Stevie Johnson (OC) def. Jonny O’Mara/Ryan Harrison (SD), 5-3

Women’s Singles: Christina McHale (SD) def. Jennifer Brady (OC), 5-4 in a tiebreaker

Mixed Doubles: Jonny O’Mara/Nicole Melichar (SD) (substituted Ryan Harrison for O’Mara at 4-0) def. Luke Bambridge/Andreja Klepac (OC) (substituted Stevie Johnson/Jennifer Brady up 2-0 in the final set), 5-0.

The Orange County Breakers next play the Philadelphia Freedoms in there season opener on Monday, July 13 at 6 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.

The Aviators take on the Vegas Rollers on Tuesday, July 14 at 8 a.m. PT on ESPN2.