He likes to say, “You cannot be serious,” but seriously, John McEnroe is coming to Atlanta on July 31, to play in a special BB&T Atlanta Open match.
McEnroe, will return to Atlanta to participate in the 2016 BB&T Atlanta Open’s Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. McEnroe replaces an injured Andre Agassi to play on Sunday, July 31, at Atlantic Station at 7:30 PM. This is a rare opportunity to see one of the legends of tennis and experience a great night of tennis for Atlanta.
McEnroe’s addition to the star-studded line-up of Olympic medalists scheduled to attend the BB&T Atlanta Open, part of the Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series, reinforces the anticipation and excitement for a week of appearances by past and current champions, including Harrison ( Judo Gold Medal), Kerrigan (Figure Skating Silver and Bronze), Fernandez (Tennis Gold), Steffes (Beach Volleyball Gold), Bennett (Swimming Gold) and Devers (Track and Field Gold). All are scheduled to be featured at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games 20th Anniversary Exhibit presented by Coca-Cola. The exhibit is free and open to the public and coincides with the BB&T Atlanta Open’s celebration of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, which runs July 30 – August 7.
Agassi, who won the Gold Medal at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics informed tournament officials this week that he made a major decision to withdraw from tennis events for the foreseeable future due to recurring back problems.
“In order to avoid further injury, I have decided there is a need to step back and take a break from competitive tennis,” stated Agassi. “It’s been a great run and I will always cherish the memories of playing in Atlanta and at the 1996 Olympic Games. I know John will put on a great show for the fans in my absence.”
It’s been nearly 30 years since McEnroe last played an official event in Atlanta. In 1985, he defeated Paul Annacone, 7-6, 7-6, 6-2 to win the Challenge of Champions and in 1987, he again defeated Annacone 6-4, 7-5 to win the AT&T Challenge at the Omni.
“I look forward to coming to Atlanta and to be a part of the BB&T Atlanta Open playing against Sergi Bruguera on Sunday night, July 31,” stated McEnroe, who holds a 41-8 Davis Cup record in singles and 18-2 mark in doubles. “Atlanta has always been a great tennis city, and I have heard that Atlantic Station in midtown Atlanta is a great place for the event.”
The 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games 20th Anniversary Exhibit presented by Coca-Cola will be open 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day and is located next to the Atlantic Station Publix. Appearances will be Harrison (July 30,31), Kerrigan (Aug 1), Fernandez (Aug 2), Steffes (Aug 3), Bennett (Aug 4) and Devers (Aug 5).
Puns aside, this should be “seriously” be a great event since story lines abound as John Isner returns as the three-time defending champ, Aussie Nick Kyrgios makes his first Atlanta appearance and a slew of players under the age of 21 look for a breakthrough.
Tickets on sale now at www.bbtatlantaopen.com or by calling the ticket hotlines at 855 307-1981 or 404-941-9202.
