Atlanta is a hotbed for pickleball, and this week is showcasing just that, with the largest amateur player field in the Professional Pickleball Association’s (PPA Tour’s) history. The Vizzy Atlanta Open presented by Acrytech is taking place now through Sunday at Life Time Peachtree Corners. It is one of the four most important stops on the PPA Tour, offering the highest level of ranking points to the pros.
World number one Anna Leigh Waters, the 17-year-old pickleball phenom, is fresh off of winning her 100th career title last month and enters the field as a heavy favorite in singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
On the men’s side, Ben Johns, the only other player with 100 career titles, is the favorite in men’s and mixed doubles (with Waters), but is hoping to reclaim the number one ranking in singles after slipping to number two this month for the first time in the tour’s history.
Former Tennis star Jack Sock will also be a strong contender in each of the draws. Sock had a successful career in tennis, winning the doubles title at Wimbledon twice, the U.S. Open once and the mixed doubles gold medal at the Olympics, has transitioned to the PPA Tour full time and is making waves already.
Pro play is underway, with all the top names in action at Life Time Peachtree Corners (6350 Courtside Dr. NW, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092) from 11 a.m. daily. Championship Sunday, May 19, will showcase the Gold Medal and Bronze Medal matches across all five disciplines.
The Vizzy Atlanta Open will be broadcast on FS1, PickleballTV and the PPA Tour YouTube Channel. On average, PPA Tour events host more than 1,000 pro and amateur players and have an estimated total economic impact of $2,750,000 in local host cities.
Visit ppatour.com for info and tickets.
Photo caption: Vizzy Atlanta Open