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Taylor Townsend to face Sloane Stephens in Sunday’s match at the 2024 Atlanta Open

ATLANTA (July 2024) – The Atlanta Open today announced that 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens will face Taylor Townsend in the Sunday Showdown Delivered by UPS on July 21, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. ET to kick off the main draw. Stephens and Townsend will play a three-set singles match, with other fun surprises planned for the evening. The 2024 Atlanta Open is scheduled to be played July 20-28 at Atlantic Station in Atlanta. Townsend, who won the Wimbledon women’s doubles title on Saturday with Katerina Siniakova on Saturday, is replacing Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, who released the following statement: “I regret to inform you that I will not be able to compete in this final game of the Sunday Showdown during the Atlanta Open. During one of my training sessions, I unfortunately aggravated my abdomen, which will require rest and treatment. I have enjoyed playing in Atlanta over the years and sincerely hope to have the opportunity to return soon. However, I am saddened that I will not be able to participate in this final edition of the Atlanta Open Sunday Showdown.”

Stephens is a Sunday Showdown veteran, having competed in the 2021 event against Kim Clijsters. Stephens, a former world No. 3, has won eight career singles titles, including the 2017 US Open. She was also a finalist at Roland Garros in 2018. Townsend last competed in the Sunday Showdown in 2022, against Coco Gauff. She is very familiar with the game in Atlanta. As a child, Townsend lived in the Peach State for a few years to train with esteemed tennis coach Donald Young Sr. Townsend is a six-time doubles champion, having recently won the Wimbledon women’s doubles title as well as a three-time Grand Slam doubles finalist, and has been ranked as high as No. 5 in the world in doubles. “We are thrilled to welcome Taylor Townsend to the latest edition of the Sunday Showdown hosted by UPS,” said Peter Lebedevs, tournament director of the Atlanta Open. “Sloane and Taylor are tremendous champions of our sport and fan favorites in Atlanta. We expect a fun and competitive match for Atlanta tennis fans.” Stephens and Townsend have played twice in their careers, with Stephens winning both times. The two players first met in 2019 at the Australian Open; most recently, Stephens defeated Townsend (6-3, 6-3) in Austin in 2023. “I look forward to returning to Atlanta and sharing the court with Taylor again,” Stephens said. “I always enjoy the opportunity to play in front of Atlanta tennis fans and am thrilled to be a part of the final Sunday Showdown.” Tickets for the Sunday Showdown are on sale now and available at atlantaopentennis.com.

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