Venus Williams to play in Atlanta

The BB&T Atlanta Open has historically been a men’s affair since its 2010 inception. Seven years later, it’s emphatically shattering the gender barrier with a global icon.

Venus Williams is returning to Atlanta for the first time since 2004. She’ll face Eugenie Bouchard, Canada’s No. 1 player, in an exhibition match July 23.

It will be the first women’s match in Atlanta Open history.

“It’s awesome,” Williams said by phone during media day Tuesday. “I can’t believe I haven’t played more in Atlanta in my career. It’s such a huge tennis town ... It’s nice to hear that people are excited.”

The milestone occasion will also be the first time in her career that she’ll be the first woman playing in a traditionally male tournament.

“I don’t think I’ve had the opportunity,” she said. “It will be, I feel like, the icing on the cake. It’s a special moment.”

Williams has won seven Grand Slam singles events, 14 Grand Slam doubles and four Olympic gold medals.

Bouchard and Williams split their previous two meetings, both three-set matches in 2013 and 2014.

Eddie Gonzalez, the Atlanta Open’s director, said hosting their third competition is a coup.

“We want to be a mini U.S. Open,” Gonzalez said. “What makes the U.S. Open so special is having men and women. So having men and women, even if it’s just on a one-night exhibition, having Venus ... is really a special opportunity for us. We have two of the most wellknown female professionals (and that) is something we’re excited about.”

Williams shares an agent with 2016 Atlanta Open winner Nick Kyrgios, which paved the way for negotiation.

Gonzalez said the parties opened dialogue before the Australian Open, finalized the deal quickly and announced it in March.

“Growing up in the business environment, we don’t ever want to play for second place,” Gonzalez said. “We want the best. We talk about a world class community, world class talent in a world class venue ... This was our chance to take a big step forward.

“We are pleased. We got one of the premium stars of not just tennis, but sports.”

Williams said when presented the offer, she couldn’t decline.

“I haven’t had the opportunity to play in Atlanta for a decade,” she said. “So that’s a really long time. A lot of times I’ll take opportunities based on what makes me excited. At this point in my career, I’ve done so much that I really want to do the opportunities that mean something to me, not necessarily every tournament.”

Despite a loaded schedule, Williams said she’ll explore assisting in local youth events before the tournament. She wants to continue shaping young lives, even past her playing career.

“I love the idea of (young people) in sports, especially tennis because of what tennis has done for me,” Williams said.

“I’ve been involved with lots of different programs as well and I’ve done great jobs with tennis and education. And for me, I like to see those mired together.”

The Atlanta Open will take place July 22-30.