In the final qualifying round of the BB&T Atlanta Open on Monday, July 21, Michael Venus (NZL) defeated Rajeev Ram (USA) 2-1, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5.
Michael Venus prepares to serve. Photo credit: Laura Apperson
Venus, a 26-year-old from Auckland, NZL, is currently ranked 345 in singles play the ATP Rankings. Ram, a 30-year-old from Denver, CO, is currently ranked 156 in singles play.
Rajeev Ram waits for a serve from Venus. Photo credit: Laura Apperson
The first set previewed a difficult fight between the two players, with Ram and Venus alternating the lead between break points. After the fifth break point with Ram in the lead 6-5, Ram won the first set 7-5.
Venus came back strong, dominating the second set and winning with only three break points 6-3.
Photo Credit: Laura Apperson
Photo Credit: Laura Apperson
Though Ram fought back hard in the final set, leading in the fourth break point 5-4, Venus claimed the set—and the match—after the fifth break point 6-5.
At the AJC Grandstand, Australian John-Patrick Smith defeated American Kevin King 2-0, 6-2, 6-1.
The main draw singles matches will begin at 4 p.m. on the Stadium court with Americans Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson.
The Opening Ceremony and Military Appreciation Night presented by USTA Serves and ESPN will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature an Honor Guard, a rocking Army band from Fort Benning, and local dignitaries.
