By Shekinah Harper
As the World Cup comes to a close, all eyes will be on Atlanta this weekend for the BB&T Atlanta Open.
The tournament kicks off this weekend at Atlantic Station with the qualifying rounds which will be followed by double and single matches on Tuesday, July 22.
Last year’s champion John Isner and finalist Kevin Anderson will be competing again this year, as well as new headliner, Gael Monfils.
Although he is new to Atlanta, Monfils is no stranger to American soil. He was a finalist last year in the Emirates Airline US Open Series’ Winston-Salem Open. Monfils comes in hopes of earning his first ATP World Tour title in America.
Among the headliners are Richard Gasquet, 10 career single ATP World title winner; Sam Querrey, three time LA title winner; Radek Stepanek, winner of 12 ATP titles; Jack Sock,2010 US Open junior champion; Ivo Karlovic,ATP World Tour winner in Zagreb; Donald Young, youngest Australian Open champion at 14; Vasek Pospisil, ranked the no.2 Canadian player; and Llleyton Hewitt, won 29 single ATP titles.
The BB&T Atlanta Open is a ATP World Tour tournament that was purchased by USTA Southern from the ATP World Tour on December 17, 2009. Originally, the 250-point tournament was played in Indianapolis in 1921. It is held at the Atlantic Station for its location and for its size. The total seating capacity, including the AJC Grand stand and Court, equals 4,940. Last year, attendances reached 31,847. With the increase in seating, the tournament is likely to see a significant increase in attendance.
Whoever takes home the title will also be taking home $568,805 in prize money.
For information regarding tickets, weekly schedule and directions please visit their website www.bbtatlantaopen.com.
