Five-time BB&T Atlanta Open singles champion, John Isner, also a former University of Georgia All-American, will return to Atlanta and Atlantic Station for the 2019 edition of the event, to be held July 20-28, 2019. Isner will be joined by Canadian up and comer, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and the Bryan Brothers.
Isner is coming off his most successful year in 2018, and a fast start to 2019, before being sidelined with an injury for the entire clay court season.
“Obviously I love to play in Georgia and to compete at the BB&T Atlanta Open where I feel at home and have had so much success,” stated Isner. “I can’t wait to get back on the court at Atlantic Station in front of all those supportive tennis and Bulldog fans.”
The current ATP World Tour No. 11, is now shooting for something rare and special. Winning the same title six times. Isner holds a career mark of 31-4 in Atlanta and is looking to join the ranks of Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, and Jimmy Connors as the fifth American to win an ATP World Tour title on six occasions.
Tennis fans in the South will be treated to the first appearance by a fast-rising Canadian teenager in Felix Auger-Aliassime. The 18-year old who turned pro in 2017 is up to a career-high No. 21 in the current rankings. He reached the finals earlier this year in Rio and Lyon, along with the semis at Miami, losing to Isner.
“Atlanta tennis fans are in for a treat with the exciting Felix Auger-Aliassime making his debut in the BB&T Atlanta Open,” stated Gonzalez. “I’m looking forward to starting my summer in Atlanta,” said Auger-Aliassime. “I’ve heard so many positive things about Atlanta and this event. I can’t wait to experience it for myself.”
Filling out the initial entry list are Americans Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, Reilly Opelka and Denis Kudla. They join a new mix of young upstarts and current ATP World Tour top-60 players for the 2019 event.
Gonzalez loves to call the BB&T Atlanta Open a “Mini U.S. Open” and that again is evident in 2019, when Venus Williams, winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles takes on former US Open finalist, Madison Keys in a special ‘Sunday Showdown” on July 21. Both players have had a chance to experience the BB&T Atlanta Open over the last two years, and Venus is excited to get back. “I’m really looking forward to playing Madison on Stadium Court in Atlanta,” said Williams. “I had such a great time playing in Atlanta in 2017 and I am excited to play this showcase event to kick off the 2019 BB&T Atlanta Open.”
Andy Roddick is also coming back to Atlanta. He won his first and final ATP World Tour event in Atlanta, and tennis fans have one more chance to show their appreciation for this champion. On Monday Night, June 22, Roddick takes on former rival and metro Atlanta resident, Robby Ginepri.
The 2019 singles field features four top-25 players. No. 23, Diego Schwartzman of Argentina makes his Atlanta debut, and Aussie, Alex de Minaur, returns to the BB&T Atlanta Open. Subject to change, here is the 2019 BB&T Atlanta entry list. (ATP World Tour Rank is the number in the left-hand column.)
2019 BB&T Atlanta Open Entry List with cut off date of 6/10/19 (List subject to change)
11 Isner, John, USA
21 Auger-Aliassime, Felix CAN
23 Schwartzman, Diego ARG
24 de Minaur, Alex AUS
35 Tiafoe, Frances USA
40 Albot, Radu MDA
41 Fritz, Taylor USA
45 Herbert, Pierre-Hugues FRA
50 Norrie, Cameron GBR
54 Hurkacz, Hubert POL
56 Millman, John AUS
61 Opelka, Reilly USA
62 Thompson, Jordan AUS
64 Humbert, Ugo FRA
66 Ebden, Matthew AUS
70 Evans, Daniel GBR
80 Copil, Marius ROU
83 Kecmanovic, Miomir SRB
84 Kudla, Denis USA
* Doubles teams will be announced at a later date
Play begins on Saturday, July 20, with the singles qualifying draw.
“We are excited to announce a presenting sponsor to our 2019 event in First Data,” stated Gonzalez. “It’s also a sign of positive growth and momentum of our BB&T Atlanta Open as we have the addition of new corporate partners.” Companies like First Data align perfectly with the BB&T Atlanta Open and how they interact with the community.
“First Data is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2019 BB&T Atlanta Open,” said Chris Foskett, Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate and Business Development, First Data. “We have a strong connection to the city of Atlanta and are committed to supporting great events like the BB&T Atlanta Open for the Atlanta community.”
Speakers, including Heath Campbell of BB&T, took the stage to explain how the BB&T Atlanta fits perfectly with the message they are trying to convey. Other speakers were from Cigna and Atlantic Station. Players, Robby Ginepri, and Cole Gromley were present at Media Day and met with reporters
The BB&T Atlanta Open has welcomed more than 360,000 fans to Atlantic Station over the years, establishing itself as one of the top ATP tennis events in the US. Tickets for the 2019 BB&T Atlanta Open can be purchased at http://www.bbtatlantaopen.com/