Americans, Aussies headline 2018 BB&T Atlanta Open

There are 28 players in the BB&T Atlanta Open draw. Exactly half hail from either the United States (eight) or Australia (six).

That a whole host of Americans have flocked to Atlanta is no surprise. They always turn up for what has been the annual beginning of the U.S. Open Series for the past nine years. Four-time champion and three-time runner-up John Isner is once again leading the charge for the host nation at this 250-point tournament. Perennially backed by a pro-American, pro-University of Georgia crowd, Isner is 27-4 lifetime in Atlanta–including 19-1 in his last 20 matches–with zero losses prior to the semifinals in his eight appearances.

The world No. 9 is joined this time around by countrymen Frances Tiafoe, Ryan Harrison, Taylor Fritz, Donald Young, Tom Smyczek, Noah Rubin, and fellow UGA Bulldog Emil Reinberg. Tiafoe is the second-highest seed (fifth) among the American contingent this week.

“I’ll be excited to get back to Atlanta–it is a great city and the hometown of my coach, Robby Ginepri,” the 20-year-old said when he committed to the BB&T Atlanta Open this spring. “It’s the start of the summer hard-court season and the U.S. Open Series, so I’ll be ready.”

“Frances is one of the young stars of tennis,” noted tournament director Eddie Gonzalez. “His positive attitude and infectious personality, combined with his aggressive all court game makes him one of the most entertaining players to watch.”

An Isner-Tiafoe semifinal showdown is possible based on how the draw ceremony unfolded, but the top seed’s toughest competition may come from the Aussies. After all, Nick Kyrgios is the No. 2 seed and the only active player on the ATP Tour who has ever defeated Isner in Atlanta. Isner’s first three setbacks came against fellow American Mardy Fish in the first two finals in this event’s history (2010 and 2011) and at the hands of compatriot Andy Roddick (in in the 2012 semis). On the heels of three straight titles, Isner then fell to Kyrgios 7-6(3), 7-6(4) in the 2016 final.

Kyrgios missed the tournament last summer due to injury, helping pave Isner’s way to title No. 4 (d. Harrison 7-6(6), 7-6(7) in the final).

But he is healthy now, and joined in the 2018 field by Aussie mates Matthew Ebden, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Alex de Minaur, Alex Bolt, and James Duckworth.

“Atlanta is just a great sports town and I feed off that,” the 23-year-old Aussie commented. “I felt the support of the sold-out stadium crowds and can’t wait to spend another week in Atlanta at a great venue in Atlantic Station and in front of passionate tennis fans.”

Kyrgios sounds happy to work double duty this week, as he has formed an intriguing doubles duo with Kokkinakis. The Kyrgios-Kokkinakis team is taking the court on Monday, while Kokkinakis will begin his main-draw singles campaign on either Tuesday or Wednesday following successful qualification. Kyrgios’ first singles match is slated for Wednesday or Thursday.

Unsurprisingly, their doubles match will feature 100 percent Aussie-American representation, as their opponents are Nicolas Monroe of the USA and Australian John-Patrick Smith. Another first-round doubles match is similar, with Young and fellow American/Atlanta resident Chris Eubanks going up against Ebden and American Jackson Withrow.

This is an event that is starting with a whole lot of USA vs. AUS, and in all likelihood it will end the same way. How about finals of Isner vs. Kyrgios and Kyrgios/Kokkinakis vs. Tiafoe/Mike Bryan? Even in probable searing heat, the tournament certainly wouldn’t have to worry about ticket sales for next Sunday.

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