2009 Infinite Energy Atlanta Challenge
Oudin, Bryan Bros., Isner, Fish to Headline
U.S. Open quarterfinalist Melanie Oudin will headline four tennis events planned for Southern cities in December. The Marietta resident, who at 17 became the second youngest American to reach the U.S. Open quarters of the U.S. Open since Serena Williams in ‘99, will be joining the Bryan Bros., John Isner and Mardy Fish for the tennis exhibition tour.
“I’m excited because everyone from home can come and watch me play and I get to play at my home courts,” said Oudin.
The series begins on Dec. 2 in Pelham, Ala., then Chattanooga, Tenn. on Dec. 3, Atlanta on the fourth and the final event Dec. 5 in Nashville.
During the Infinite Energy Atlanta Challenge at the RC of the South on Dec. 4, Oudin will take on Sloan Stephens, currently No. 6 on the ITF junior charts. Stephens, who’s been ranked as high as No. 3 in world in juniors, has reached the semis of the French Open juniors and the Wimbledon junior quarters. Oudin, 17, became a household name with her impressive U.S. Open run, knocking off seeds Elena Dementieva, Nadia Petrova and Maria Sharapova. Oudin’s gutsy three-set wins made her a fan favorite and landed her appearances on the Tonight Show, the Ellen Degeneres Show, CNN and Good Morning America.
“I’m so excited to announce that both Melanie and Sloane will be a part of this wonderful event. This is a chance to see two of the most exciting and promising American women in the world of tennis today!” says Trevor Short, president of T&S Events.
John Isner (Getty Images)
Oudin and Stephens will play one set beginning at 6:30 p.m. Then Mardy Fish and John Isner will hit the courts to go head-to-head in a best two-out-of-three-sets match. Fish, a ‘08 U.S. Open quarterfinalist, is currently ranked No. 56, but has been ranked as high as No. 17. The 6-foot-9 Isner, who knocked Andy Roddick out at the ‘09 U.S. Open, is currently ranked No. 42. The two have only faced off once in tournament play with Fish winning the dramatic three-set match. Then when the single’s play is completed Isner and Fish, who have a doubles title together, will join forces to take on the world’s top ranked doubles team, Bob and Mike Bryan. The twins have captured more than 50 doubles titles including multiple Grand Slam titles together.
As part of a special segment, two Atlanta juniors will get to play the brothers as part of the Bryan Brothers Junior Tiebreak Challenge. Nathan Rakitt and Hunter Reese defeated other junior players to get the chance to play against the world’s top twin team. The event this year benefits the National Tennis Foundation, which Oudin said makes it even more special.
“I get to do what I love to do by playing tennis and at the same time hopefully raise a lot of money for the National Tennis Foundation,” shared Oudin.
Tickets for the even are on sale at TandSevents.com and range in price from $49.50-$69.50. Limited VIP Court side seating is also available.
Following the Friday night exhibition matches 16 of the top Americans will begin their quest for a wildcard into the ‘10 Australian Open. The USTA Australian Open Wild Card Playoffs begin Saturday and run through Monday, Dec. 7. The USTA will handpick the participants, yet to be named, to play the event. Eight of the top American women and eight of the top American men will then compete for just one women’s and one men’s wildcard.
Tags: Bryan Brothers, Infinite Energy Atlanta Challenge, Melanie Oudin
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