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Hewitt To Play First Atlanta Tennis Championships

Atlanta, GA — Former No. 1 player Lleyton Hewitt is joining the growing list of tennis stars committed to play the first Atlanta Tennis Championships July 19-25. The Atlanta event, owned and operated by USTA Southern, will serve as the kick-off to the 2010 Olympus US Open Series.

The two-time Grand Slam winner reached the pinnacle of tennis in November 2001 and reigned atop the ATP World Tour rankings for 75 weeks. Hewitt won the 2001 US Open, 2002 Wimbledon and the 2001 and 2002 Tennis Masters Cups. The hard-working Australian has captured 27 tour titles, the most recent coming last year in Houston.

Known for his fiery personality and nickname “Rusty,” the redheaded Hewitt brings his distinctive fist pump and bravado to Atlanta for the first time. Hewitt is often labeled the ultimate counterpuncher, scoring with penetrating ground strokes, quick court coverage and a scrappy, do-or-die personality. He is presently ranked No. 24 in the world.

Hewitt joins Americans John Isner, James Blake and Robby Ginepri, of Kennesaw, Ga., as the tennis professionals who have committed to play the 2010 Atlanta Tennis Championships.

This past weekend No. 20 Isner represented the United States during its Davis Cup tie versus Serbia. He reached the final at the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis in February. The former University of Georgia All-American has won more than $1,180,000 in his career. Blake, the long-time American tennis star, has been ranked as high as No. 4 in the world. Blake has won 10 ATP titles, including the 2006 Indianapolis tournament, which the Atlanta tournament is replacing. He started his career in 2000 and has been a Davis Cup stalwart for the American team. Ginepri, who lives in the metro Atlanta city of Kennesaw, Ga., was the first player to agree to play the tournament. He reached a career high No. 15 in 2005 after reaching the US Open semifinals.

The Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek, Ga., will be the tournament site. USTA Southern purchased the sanction for the ATP World Tour 250 tournament last December.

Premium tickets went on sale Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 9 a.m. ET. Other tickets will be available in March. For an order form or other ticket info, call (678) 527-2138 or email tickets@atlantatennischampionships.com. The tournament web site is atlantatennischampionships.com.

Posted on March 10, 2010
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