The Atlanta Open announced that tennis icons Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens will compete in the Sunday Showdown delivered by UPS on July 21, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. ET, marking the beginning of the Main Draw. This exciting event will feature a three-set singles match between the two former Grand Slam champions, along with additional surprises planned for the evening. The 2024 Atlanta Open will take place from July 20-28 at Atlantic Station in Atlanta.
Both Williams and Stephens are familiar faces at the Atlanta Open, having participated in previous Sunday Showdowns. Williams competed in the inaugural event in 2017 against Genie Bouchard, while Stephens faced Kim Clijsters in 2021. Williams, a former World No. 1 in both singles and doubles, boasts an illustrious career with seven Grand Slam singles titles and 49 career WTA singles titles. Overall, she has secured 21 Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles, four Olympic gold medals, one silver medal, and ranks second all-time in career prize money.
Despite her numerous achievements, Williams has yet to win a match against Stephens. Stephens, who was once ranked World No. 3, has triumphed in both of their previous encounters, including a memorable 2017 U.S. Open semifinal where she prevailed 6-1, 0-6, 7-5, eventually claiming the championship. Throughout her career, Stephens has captured eight WTA singles titles.
“We are proud to announce that Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens will play in the final Sunday Showdown delivered by UPS,” said Peter Lebedevs, Atlanta Open tournament director. “Venus and Sloane are two beloved champions of our sport, and they will surely put on a great show for Atlanta tennis fans.”
Tickets for the Sunday Showdown are currently on sale and can be purchased at atlantaopentennis.com.http://atlantaopentennis.com