Once again the Hall of Fame Open ATP tournament in Newport, Rhode Island has formed another diverse, exciting draw featuring a range of pro tennis talents. This year will be the final edition of the historic event as it will be replaces on the ATP World Tour schedule next year.
Main draw action begins tomorrow. Reilly Opelka, age 26, returns to action after a near two year hiatus from competition as a wildcard and will face France’s tricky veteran Constant Lestienne for the honor of a second round duel with defending champion and top seed Adrian Mannarino.
Last year’s runner up, the teenager Alex Michelsen of California has a bye and will play the winner of Albot vs. Cressy. The one time hot American prospect who ascended to the top 40, has fallen out of the top 150 and is hoping his beloved Newport grass courts will jump start his career.
The always entertaining Benoit Paire has decided to make his first visit to Newport and will battle American Zachary Svajda in the first round, with the hopes to meet 2 seed Marcos Giron in the second round.
Other intriguing main draw entries include Brandon Nakashima, rising Czech star 18 year old Jacob Mensik (ranked 79), and last year’s Wimbledon quarterfinalist Chris Eubanks, who crashed out in the first round this year (to Quentin Halys).
I will be there tomorrow reporting on all the action, and delivering a mint condition 1970s Rod Laver brand polo shirt with the original tags, to the Hall of Fame Museum.
Hall of Fame Open · Infosys · Newport · Reilly Opelka
