Memphis Open Star King Visits The King

Darian King thought he should pay more respect to “The King” while visiting Graceland on Wednesday. The 24 year old, who has made Barbados tennis history at the Memphis Open, was visiting Elvis Presley’s former residence and was asked how much he knew about the musical legend.

“Growing up and hearing about Elvis, sorry Mr. Presley, because obviously I can’t address him like that, he’s a big deal,” King said. “He’s down in the books as a great one. I’m really happy to actually be here, around his surroundings, around his homeland.”

King toured Presley’s south Memphis estate, checking out the green carpet on the ceiling in the jungle room, where Presley recorded “Moody Blue”. He walked through “Lisa Marie”, Presley’s Convair 880 Jet that he bought from Delta in 1975 and used for fun and business. King had to wiggle his hips in front of the Graceland mansion as well, just like Presley surely did back in the day.

The three-time Grammy winner lived in the home from 1957 to 1977. He also had houses in Florida and California but spent the bulk of his time at the mansion, which was 10,266 square feet when he purchased it. Presley bought the home and the 14-acre estate for $102,500 in March 1957. More than 600,000 people visit the site annually.

“I have to really thank the ATP [World Tour] for giving me an opportunity to come and see one of the most significant icons in music and artist industry. I’m really thankful for this opportunity,” King said.

The Barbados native might be feeling like a king this week. On Tuesday, he upset fifth seed Bernard Tomic 6-4, 6-4 to become the first player from Barbados to win an ATP World Tour match. King, who had to qualify for the Memphis Open, had lost his only other ATP World Tour main draw contest at the 2015 Citi Open.

Asked if he would feel comfortable in Presley’s former home, King laughed and said he’s striving to be successful like Elvis. “As you know I’m trying to be like a king,” he said in between laughs. “That’s obviously what I’m trying to aim for, to be one of the best… Hopefully it can happen.”

King’s stay in the city of “The King” continues later this week when he meets Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin, who beat Germany’s Benjamin Becker 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday.

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