The following is Robert McAllister’s Inside Tennis story on Billie Jean King and the Newport Beach Breakers.

    Billie Jean King was in Orange County recently finalizing plans for the 34th season of WorldTeamTennis (July 2-26) and had a lot on her mind.

    As co-owner (with Hoag Hospital Foundation) of the Newport Breakers, she was positive about the Breakers chances going far this season, but says the entire league will benefit by legends like Andre Agassi and Michael Chang joining the league this season. Agassi is playing for Philadelphia and Chang is playing for Sacramento. Both will visit the Breakers.

    “I’m thrilled Michael’s going to play because he and I have talked for years,” she said.” I love Michael Chang. He’s a great guy.”

    Agassi played for Sacramento a few years ago, and is marking his return to tennis following retirement.

    “Agassi loves us. He’s nice to us, because he loves community,” said King. It’s not just the marquee players that make the league great, she said. She pointed to players like the Breakers’ Ramon Delgado as a prime example.

    “First of all, a lot of people think it’s just fun, but it’s highly competitive. I think Delgado is so much fun to watch. He’s competitive. He hates losing. He’s a real star for this team, which I like. He’s got the Desperate Housewives (bleacher seats fan club) up there”.

    BJK said the community spirit behind WTT and the Breakers can be seen in the league’s relationship with Orange County and Hoag Hospital.

    “I wanted to have a team in Southern California, but I didn’t want it to be in Los Angeles, where there’s a lot of competition. I wanted it to be spread out. Because I grew up in Long Beach, right next door to Orange County, I wanted Orange County to have something that they could say is ours. I’m thrilled because of the Hoag connection and giving back to the community, I think Dr. (Richard) Afable has been unbelievable.”