2010 News Archive 

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Atlanta Tennis Championship promises top players

John Isner, the University of Georgia star who made Wimbledon history with the longest match on record, will be among some of the premier tennis players at the Atlanta Tennis Championship at Johns Creek's Atlanta Athletic Club from July 19 to July 25.

Isner won the five-set, 980-point endurance test against Nicholas Mahut that took 11 hours, 5 minutes spread over three days.

The Atlanta Tennis Championship, to be broadcast on ESPN2 and the Tennis Channel, will feature a 28-player singles draw and 16-team doubles draw. Players, who are ranked 19 to 93 in the world, are competing for a share of $600,000 in prize money.

Among the bigger names on tap are three-time Association of Tennis Professionals titlist Mardy Fish plus John Isner, Marcos Baghditas, Lleyton Hewitt, James Blake and Robby Ginepri in the main singles draw.

The men's winners from 16 US Open National Playoffs Qualifying Tournaments, including the Atlanta Tennis Championship, will battle for one spot in the 2010 US Open Qualifying Tournament in Flushing, N.Y.

Past single champions include such luminaries as former No. 1 players as Andy Roddick (2001), Pete Sampras (1998, 1991, 1992) and John McEnroe (1985).

The tournament is expected to bring in 7,000 spectators a day, which civic leaders hope will bring lots of additional business to Johns Creek, particularly restaurants.

The event also will offer concessions and music.

Parking will be available across Medlock Bridge Road from the Atlanta Athletic Club.