Tennis takes over Atlantic Station for annual summer tournament

ATLANTA - It’s the kickoff to the US Open Series, and draws nearly 40,000 fans each year to see some of the best tennis players in the world.  So what better place for it to happen than in the city known as the tennis capital of the United States?

The 2018 BB&T Atlanta Open began Saturday, July 21st and runs through Sunday, July 29th at Atlantic Station.  The annual tournament – an ATP World Tour 250 event featuring singles and doubles competition – has brought in more than 310,000 fans over the past eight years and, according to organizers, results in a yearly economic impact of more than $10 million to the city of Atlanta. 

Past tournament champions include John Isner, who has won four singles titles here and will play again this year, and Americans Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish.  Organizers also say the BB&T Atlanta Open is notable for its intimate setting in Atlantic Station, which means courts are surrounded by restaurants and retail shops.

Good Day Atlanta’s Paul Milliken never turns down a chance to show off his (lack of) tennis skills on live television, so he spent the morning at Atlantic Station getting a look behind-the-scenes of this year’s BB&T Atlanta Open.