BB&T ATLANTA OPEN TENNIS – JOHN ISNER PLAYING & THE BRYAN BROTHERS & AN EXO WITH VENUS WILLIAMS & GENIE BOUCHARD

Written by: Staff on 3rd May 2017

BB&T ATLANTA OPEN TENNIS - JOHN ISNER PLAYING & THE BRYAN BROTHERS & AN EXO WITH VENUS WILLIAMS & GENIE BOUCHARD

epa05874403 John Isner of the USA in action against Alexander Zverev of Germany during their third round match at the Miami Open tennis tournament on Key Biscayne, Miami, Florida, USA, 27 March 2017. EPA/RHONA WISE |

Isner unsurprisingly commits to BB&T Atlanta Open this summer

By Ricky Dimon

File this one in the department of expected news: John Isner has committed to play this summer’s BB&T Atlanta Open.

After all, how could Isner not play this tournament? In the seven-year history of the event, Isner is the all-time leader in titles (three) and match wins (23). Moreover, he attend the nearby University of Georgia and his fan support–and success–in Atlanta is such that it is often mistaken as a “home” tournament for him (Isner actually grew up in Greensboro, N.C., much closer to the Winston-Salem Open).

“It’s always a thrill to play in Georgia and to compete at the BB&T Atlanta Open,” the 6’10” American assured. “I feel at home in Atlanta and at Atlantic Station with family, friends, and loyal Bulldog fans.

“I’m looking forward to getting back on court at Atlantic Station and give it my all for a fourth singles title.”

Isner came close to winning four in a row last summer, but his reign ended with a loss in the final to good friend and first-time Atlanta participant Nick Kyrgios.

“We welcome John back in the mix for the 2017 BB&T Atlanta Open,” tournament director Eddie Gonzalez commented. “He has supported the tournament year after year, and I know our fans enjoy seeing John. For a decade, John has set an example and the standard for the next generation of American tennis players, and now they are across the net from him as opponents. John’s career has been amazing, and he is still playing great tennis and will be one of the favorites at Atlantic Station in July.”

Isner is 23-4 lifetime in Atlanta with three runner-up finishes (2010-11, 2016) to go along with his trio of titles (2013-15). He has never lost prior to the semifinals.

The current world No. 24 will be joined in the field by Kyrgios and Jack Sock, whose participation was announced earlier this spring. Bob and Mike Bryan are confirmed doubles entrants and an exhibition featuring Venus Williams and Genie Bouchard is scheduled for the weekend prior to the July 24-30 event.