Kool & The Gang said it first!
Oh yeah, oh what a night!
Oh yes it’s ladies night and the feeling’s right
Oh yes it’s ladies night, oh what a night, oh what a night!
Oh yes it’s ladies night and the feeling’s right
But the Truist Atlanta Open will have the last word!
Two former US Open champions will open a week celebrating the return of live professional tennis to Midtown Atlanta and Atlantic Station this summer at the 2021 Truist Atlanta Open. Women will once again take center stage on opening night, July 25, as two of the biggest names in women’s tennis, Kim Clijsters and Sloane Stephens, will meet for the first time in the annual “Sunday Showdown.”
The Truist Atlanta Open runs from July 24 to August 1. The event’s best singles and doubles draw in its history is expected. The 2021 event will strictly adhere to all CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines to ensure a safe experience throughout the venue. Tickets are on sale now at www.atlantaopentennis.com.
This opening night match “checks all the boxes,” says Eddie Gonzalez, Truist Atlanta Open Tournament Director. “We welcome two US Open champions in Kim for the first time and the return of Sloane to Atlanta! Both of these women are proven champions on and off the court, with Kim being a mother of three and her nonprofit and charities helping junior tennis players who cannot afford the costs associated with training at a high level, and Sloane, with her tireless efforts helping kids with after school learning.”
Both of these players are fan favorites. Clijsters, a native of Belgium, holds three US Open titles and also won the Australian Open in 2011. Stephens won her US Open title in 2017.
Clijsters, who holds 41 international titles and has been ranked No. 1 in the world, is excited to get her US hardcourt summer started and make some new fans.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about Atlanta. The event is a great showcase of tennis and I’m excited to be apart of the lineup.”
Stephens returns to Atlanta at this event, having previously played against her good friend, Madison Keys. The South Florida native has reached the finals of the French Open, the WTA Tour finals, and has been ranked as high as No. 3.
“Returning to Atlanta is a great opportunity to get my summer started and see some familiar faces,” stated Stephens. “It’s an honor to play against Kim and showcase women’s tennis at a men’s ATP event.”
The “Sunday Showdown” women’s exhibition is just the kickoff to a great week of tennis that also features five-time Truist Atlanta Open champion John Isner.
“I could not be more excited about live tennis and in-person attendance at Atlantic Station this summer,” adds Gonzalez. “These are the best tennis players in the world, and we have the best tennis fans in the world. As always, the health and safety of our spectators will remain our No. 1 priority, and we will work closely with local and state government and health officials alongside the ATP TOUR to ensure the safest environment possible for everyone involved with the tournament and the Greater Atlanta community.”
Safety protocols that will be in place include socially distanced stadium seating that complies with local guidelines, expanded space within the venue, face covering mandate, ample touchless hand sanitizer stations, contactless entry, screening and transactions, and robust cleaning and disinfecting procedures throughout the venue. Fans will also notice an even more friendly layout to the grounds.
