The BB&T Atlanta Open is back in Atlanta and giving tennis fans lots to cheer about! Well, maybe not "cheer" about...tennis is one of the quieter spectator sports, after all (which I really kinda like).
The player roster is nicely balanced between seasoned favorites, such as Mardy Fish, James Blake, and Lleyton Hewitt, and newcomers—or at least newcomers to me—including brothers Ryan and Christian Harrison, and Michael Russell—not a newcomer, but the first time I've seen him play, and play he did—defeating Mardy Fish in last night's games.
The BB&T Atlanta Open is again taking place at Atlantic Station—easy to get to, easy (flat rate) parking, plenty to eat and drink,(there's a fun covered bar onsite), great shopping, and clean "facilities"—a nice (important) surprise.
Atlantic Station is also offering a discount to shoppers who show their tennis tickets...full details at the games!
I am very grateful for my tickets—a generous gift from Laura Flusche, Executive Director at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) who won them from event sponsor Peachtree Tents & Events. So, "Thank you, Laura" for the tickets and for making sure they were indeed used, and "Thank you, Peachtree Tents & Events" for sponsoring the event and for being so generous with tickets...and I love what you do on Facebook and other Social Media channels!
It was really quite interesting to observe the power and energy of the younger and newer players contrasted by the purpose and strategy of the more seasoned players. I'm sure that's a natural progression—in many professions—but I don't recall noticing it quite as much as I did last night.
Ryan Harrison hosted a meet and greet and gave away autographed Corona (another sponsor) tee-shirts in a fan-cheering round of trivia. Fun, charming, energetic...Ryan's PR skills are commendable, as were his fans, of all ages, who were super enthusiastic! Okay, I'll admit it, I got an autograph, too.
Games are ongoing through the weekend...culminating in Singles and Doubles Finals this Sunday.
I'd seen a number of the players before—at the Citi Open (formerly known as the Legg Mason Tennis Classic) in Washington, D.C.—including James Blake, Lleyton Hewitt, and Mardy Fish. It was great to see them again!
I did find it interesting that the fans—at least in last night's crowd—by far favored the more seasoned of the players, even if his opponent was American. Their loyalty was admirable. And that's been my experience...tennis fans aren't terribly fickle. Once they like a player, they're with that player throughout their career.
It was a great night of tennis! I do hope you make it out to see these guys...it's only going to get more exciting from here!
Ummm...and it goes without saying, BUT...be sure you wear sunscreen; bring your sunglasses; if you have it bring a pad for your seat (so that you're comfortable for the 6-8 or more hours of tennis you'll be watching from your seat); and bring your camera (but know that larger zoom lenses are not allowed in—you can bring a zoom, but there is a cutoff on size).
Now, head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page for more photos of last night's fantastic tennis! And then get your tickets for this weekend's play...have fun!
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| BB&T Atlanta Open, Atlantic Station |
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| BB&T Atlanta Open, Atlantic Station |
Atlantic Station is also offering a discount to shoppers who show their tennis tickets...full details at the games!
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| BB&T Atlanta Open, Atlantic Station - Michael Russell |
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| BB&T Atlanta Open, Atlantic Station, Lleyton Hewitt |
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| BB&T Atlanta Open, Atlantic Station, Ryan Harrison |
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| BB&T Atlanta Open, Atlantic Station |
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| BB&T Atlanta Open, Atlantic Station, James Blake |
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| BB&T Atlanta Open, Atlantic Station, Mardy Fish |
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| BB&T Atlanta Open, Atlantic Station, Tim Smyczek |
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| BB&T Atlanta Open, Atlantic Station |
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| BB&T Atlanta Open, Atlantic Station |
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