Dimitrov, Isner & Opelka To Lead Inaugural Dallas Field
Former World No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov and Americans John Isner and Reilly Opelka will lead the field at the inaugural Dallas Open, to be held 6-13 February 2022 at the Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex at Southern Methodist University, the tournament announced Tuesday.
The trio, which boasts 26 ATP Tour titles between them, brings star power to the Dallas ATP 250, which has relocated from New York. Tournament Director Peter Lebedevs is thrilled with the committed players and the local reaction in Texas.
“The reception the Dallas Open has received from the community thus far has been incredible. We are thrilled to have Grigor, John and Reilly lead our player field, and hope to make additional announcements on player commitments in the coming weeks,” Lebedevs said. “After quickly selling out of our VIP Boxes and Forty-Love Suite, we are excited to now have individual tickets on sale for fans who want to be a part of the inaugural tournament.”
Dimitrov has won on the biggest stages in tennis, highlighted by his dream run to the 2017 Nitto ATP Finals trophy. The Bulgarian also earned ATP Masters 1000 glory at the 2017 Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.
John Isner promoted the Dallas Open at a Texas Rangers game earlier this year. Credit: Kelly Gavin/Texas Rangers.
It will be a special tournament for Isner, who resides in Dallas. The American frequents SMU for practice when in town, and he will try to lift his 14th ATP 250 trophy in the United States.
Isner is also serving as host for the inaugural Dallas Open, and the Isner Family Foundation, established by Isner and his family, will serve as a non-profit partner for the event.
“It’s incredibly nice. It’s very lucky for me to have this tournament coming here so close to home. I practise there all the time,” Isner said earlier this year. “I’m lucky in the sense that I kind of have a couple of hometown events. Atlanta is one, and here in Dallas. It’s good.”
Opelka, like Isner, has quickly become one of the most difficult opponents to face on Tour. The American earned his first tour-level crown at this event in 2019 when it was held on Long Island. He has since climbed as high as No. 19 in the FedEx ATP Rankings.
Tournament organisers have also announced a singles main draw wild card for SMU standout Caleb Chakravarthi, who will headline the Dallas Open’s College Night on 7 February. The SMU senior is a two-time team captain.
“As part of GF Sports & Entertainment’s commitment to growing the game of tennis and supporting the next generation of American players, we are excited to have Caleb headline our College Night and showcase his talent on a professional stage,” Lebedevs said.