The full entry list for the BB&T Atlanta Open, the first stop during this summer’s U.S. Open Series, was revealed earlier this week. Among others rounding out the field are Lleyton Hewitt, Radek Stepanek, Dmitry Tursunov, Vasek Pospisil, and 2013 runner-up Kevin Anderson.
That group joins a trio of stars already entered, featuring Frenchmen Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet plus two-time Atlanta runner-up and 2013 champion John Isner. Another former Top 10 player, Marcos Baghdatis, is expected to participate in qualifying.
U.S. Open Series events always have a distinct American flavor, and the fifth installment of the Atlanta tournament will be no exception. Along with Isner, Donald Young, Jack Sock, Sam Querrey, and Bradley Klahn are also signed up. Ryan Harrison and Robby Ginepri are on the qualifying entry list.
What should be an unusually strong qualifying event will also boast heralded American junior Francis Tiafoe. The 16-year-old, who has peaked as high as No. 2 in the world junior rankings, accepted his first ATP qualifying wild card.
“This is the strongest field in tournament history, especially considering the influx of outstanding European players,” said Eddie Gonzalez, tournament director and chief development officer. “We have notably expanded our presence to have a diverse mix of players from up and comers to proven pros competing in our tournament.”
“I’ve heard a lot of great things about Atlanta and the event,” Monfils said in an interview with the BB&T Atlanta Open’s Rick Limpert. “I heard there are a lot of things to do and it’s a nicely run tournament. Of course the hard courts are good and I know about Atlanta from the hosting of the 1996 Olympic Games.”
Topics: Atlanta open, Dmitry Tusunov, Donald Young, Francis Tiafoe, Gael Monfils, John Isner, Kevin Anderson, Lleyton Hewitt, Radek Stepanek, Ricky Dimon, Tennis, Tennis News, Vasek Pospisil
HEWITT AMONG FINAL ATLANTA ENTRANTS, TIAFOE ON QUALIFYING LIST BY RICKY DIMON – http://t.co/5BkN3qUFcn #tennis #AtlantaOpen @officialhewitt
RT @10sBalls_com: HEWITT AMONG FINAL ATLANTA ENTRANTS, TIAFOE ON QUALIFYING LIST BY RICKY DIMON – http://t.co/5BkN3qUFcn #tennis #AtlantaO…