Grigor Dimitrov Accepts Wildcard Into BB&T Atlanta Open presented by First Data
Tickets Going Fast For Atlanta’s Tennis Party
Former World No. 3, Dimitrov Takes Wildcard into Atlanta
ATLANTA, July 11, 2019 – Former ATP World Tour No. 3 and ATP World Tour Finals champion, Grigor Dimitrov, has accepted a wildcard in the singles draw of the 2019 BB&T Atlanta Open presented by First Data, according to Tournament Director Eddie Gonzalez.
"Grigor is a perfect addition to the line-up of established champions and talented young players that will be playing in our singles draw," stated Gonzalez. "He's reached No. 3 in the world, won the 2017 ATP Finals, and that same year, he had a memorable run to the semifinals of the Australian Open."
Dimitrov has had a stellar career. He beat current world No.1, Novak Djokovic, for the biggest win of his career in 2013 at the ATP Masters 1000 Madrid. He added to that by breaking into the ATP top-10 in 2014, after advancing to his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon. Just two years ago, in 2017, he finished the year at a career high No.3 after winning the London Finals title defeating David Goffin, 7-5 4-6 6-3. That same year, he also won four of his eight career titles, including the Masters 1000 at Cincinnati, Sofia, Brisbane and the ATP Finals. Dimitrov is also currently coached by International Tennis Hall of Fame member, Andre Agassi.
Dimitrov is eager to return to Atlanta.
“I'm excited to begin my 2019 summer hardcourt series in Atlanta at the BB&T Atlanta Open. I believe playing in Atlanta will provide the best preparation as a lead up to the U.S. Open. I haven’t played the event in awhile and I look forward to being back.”
Dimitrov’s inclusion just adds to the many storylines in Atlanta this year.
Defending singles champ, John Isner is shooting for something rare and special in Atlanta. 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.
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.
One entry list note: Canadian teenager, Felix Auger-Aliassime withdrew from the singles draw due to fatigue from his spring schedule.
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.
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/
The new tournament venue, just steps from the previous entrance will offer more shade and air conditioning, more space for activations and suite location closer to court- just five rows from the action. 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 to go along with special events like Kid’s Day, College Night, Military Appreciation Night and more.