It's back, baby!
The 2018 Atlanta BB&T Open is a month away and there is plenty to look forward to. The "Mini U.S. Open", as Tournament Director Eddie Gonzalez likes to call it, has drawn some of the tennis world's best and brightest talent. Vik and I are proud to have our very own backyard in Atlantic station taken over by festivities and tennis Saturday, July 21th - Sunday, July 29th.
Ardent fans of the 250 Event would recognize the beauty of the tournament: seeing the old guard protecting the thrown as new challengers approach.
Guess where Andy Roddick won his last Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tournament? The BB&T Tournament.
2 youngsters, Hyeon Chung & Kyle Edmung, made it to Australian Semifinals this year - where were they in July last year? The BB&T Tournament.
For the 7th year the event is being held, the BB&T Open is welcomed by Atlanta, which has one of the highest tennis players per capita among major cities. The tournament kicks off US Open Series, 5 week summer hardcourt tennis season leading up to the final Major of the year, the US Open. Read on to learn about some of the stars you can see this year!
Confirmed Tennis Players
John Isner: Four time BB&T Champ and last year's winner, John Isner returns as a home crowd favorite. The former Georgia bulldog is flying high through a great season, with a current top 10 world ranking and tying his best finish in a French Open going to the round of 16.
Jack Sock: Our very own, Vik Hundal, has faced off against Jack Sock in junior tennis back in the day so it's special to see this talent out on the big stage. Although he has hit a rough patch with a few first round losses, Jack won 2 Masters Series tournaments last year and currently has the highest ceiling among American singles players in my opinion.
Nick Kyrgios: As the only player in the singles draw not named 'John Isner' who has won this tournament, Kyrgios will be a flashy force in the tournament. "I look forward to returning to Atlanta for the 2018 BB&T Atlanta Open,” offered Kyrgios to the BB&T Tournament Media. “I was disappointed last year, when I couldn't defend my 2016 title due to injury, but I look forward to once again seeing my fans and the friends I met during my stay in Atlanta."
Bryan Brothers: The most decorated doubles pair of all time, Mike and Bob Bryan have won 16 grand slam titles together and are still counting. I don't know why so few people watch dubs - and it doesn't get much better than these two. Tune in and see greatness to channel in your local Leagues!
Emil Reinberg: Rising University of Georgia senior, Reinberg has big shoes to fill after Chris Eubanks' run at the BB&T Open last year. The Atlanta-native has been awarded the College Player wildcard. This wildcard opportunity for college athletes is unique to the BB&T Open.
Also, kicking off the tournament will be a women's exhibition session of the U.S. Open finals on Sunday, July 22nd @ 7:30pm: Sloan Stephens vs. Madison Keys.
I hope all you tennis fans can make it out and enjoy this tourney - you'll be glad you did!
The BB&T Atlanta Open is held each year in July in Atlantic Station and is one of eight summer tournaments in the US Open Series. The tournament features men’s top world tennis players in singles and doubles competition. Approximately 40,000 fans attend the tournament and bring an estimated economic impact of $10.3 million to Atlanta. You can find more information at http://www.bbtatlantaopen.com
Simmy is an adviser at Fenix Risk Management and an avid tennis player.
Note: the opinions expressed in this blog are that of the author, not of any other individual or organization referenced.