Rising American and #NextGen Player Looks for Second Title of 2018
ATLANTA, May 23, 2018 – Another American, 20-year old, Frances Tiafoe has committed to play in the 2018 BB&T Atlanta Open. The popular shotmaker won his maiden ATP World Tour title earlier this year when he beat German Peter Gojowczyk in front of the American fans in the Delray Beach Open final. His stellar play continued as the tour shifted to red clay as he lost to Joao Sousa of Portugal in the finals of the Estoril Open.
Tiafoe, currently ranked No. 61, won his first ATP World Tour level match in Atlanta, and joins an impressive field that already includes Americans John Isner, Jack Sock, Ryan Harrison, and the Bryan Brothers.
The 2018 event takes place as part of the ATP World Tour 250 event, July 21-29, 2018, at Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta.
Tiafoe has a 15-7 overall record in 2018 with his first ATP World Tour singles title in Delray Beach. He’s already looking forward to a return to Atlanta.
"I'll be excited to get back to Atlanta – it is a great city and the hometown of my coach, Robby Ginepri. It's the start of the summer hardcourt season and the US Open Series, so I'll be ready."
He is a product of Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, MD, where his father, an immigrant from Sierra Leone, helped construct the tennis facility in 1999 and became head of maintenance soon after. Tiafoe would often come to work with his father and spend the entire day at the tennis center.
2018 has been a breakout year for the young American, but he isn’t taking anything for granted and looks to keep learning as he moves up the rankings.
"In February, things started to come together for me – quarterfinals in New York and winning my first career ATP Tour event in Delray Beach. I was able to follow that up with a good run in Miami where I played a few really close matches and then reaching the finals in Estoril. I am feeling more comfortable when things get tight in a match and actually embracing it. I hope to keep learning from those tough moments so that I can continue to get grow as a player.”
“Frances is one of the young stars of tennis,” adds Eddie Gonzalez, BB&T Atlanta Open Tournament Director. “His positive attitude and infectious personality, combined with his aggressive all court game make him one of the most entertaining players to watch.”
Defending BB&T Atlanta Open champion, John Isner, and American, Jack Sock, lead a strong field for the annual ATP World Tour tennis event at Atlantic Station. They are joined by the most decorated doubles tandem of all-time, Bob and Mike Bryan, The Bryan Brothers, who are also the defending doubles champions. Once again there will be a special women's match on the opening weekend to kickoff a week of fun; this year it's a U.S. Open finals rematch with Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys coming to Atlanta.
“Our 2018 BB&T Atlanta Open will be our biggest and best to date by providing a mix of marquee established players along with the rising stars of tennis,” offers Gonzalez.“ GF Sports is really proud to present this diverse offering to our tennis fans and sports fans.”
Once again the tournament venue will offer more shade and air conditioned viewing opportunities. Every seat in the stadium is close to the court and sight lines are some of the best in tennis. All week long there will be sponsor activities, player autograph sessions and delicious food/drink. More player announcements will be forthcoming.
Ticket packages for the BB&T Atlanta Open, the only ATP World Tour event in Georgia, are available at www.bbtatlantaopen.com.