The New York Empire have a new Hall of Fame coach and a Grand Slam home.

The Empire announced International Tennis Hall of Famer and two-time Olympic gold medalist Gigi Fernandez as head coach for the second-year franchise that will play on Court 17 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, home of the US Open.

More: Gigi Fernandez Interview

Fernandez, a winner of 17 Grand Slam doubles titles during a career that spanned from 1983 to 1997, is the only female coach currently in Mylan World TeamTennis. She succeeds Patrick McEnroe as Empire coach.

The Puerto Rico-native will immediately focus her attention on the March 14th Mylan WTT Roster Draft as the New York Empire holds the first pick.

The team previously announced the acquisitions of John Isner, Eugenie Bouchard and Mardy Fish as part of the league’s Marquee Draft.

“This is going to be a fantastic summer for the New York Empire with a really strong team that already includes John, Genie and Mardy,” said Fernandez. “We’ll finalize the remainder of the roster very soon and then it’s time to start thinking about match strategy. I really can’t wait to work with these amazing athletes.”

For more information on the New York Empire, visit www.NYEmpireTennis.com. For more information on Mylan World TeamTennis, visit www.WTT.com.

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