Atlanta Cup Brings World's Top Tennis Stars to Revive City's Championship Legacy
The inaugural Atlanta Cup tennis exhibition featuring Naomi Osaka, Aryna Sabalenka, Nick Kyrgios and Ben Shelton marks the return of world-class professional tennis to Atlanta, reestablishing the city's position as America's premier tennis hub.
The Atlanta Cup will debut on December 6, 2025, at Gas South Arena, featuring four of tennis' most compelling stars in a one-night exhibition that signals the return of elite professional competition to one of America's most passionate tennis communities. The event pairs global champions with Atlanta's deep-rooted tennis culture, coming at a critical moment following the conclusion of the Atlanta Open's 14-year ATP Tour run through 2024.
Headlining the women's field, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka will face current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, marking the first time a top-ranked female player has competed in Atlanta since Lindsay Davenport in 1997. With eight Grand Slam titles between them, their match represents a revival of one of tennis' most compelling rivalries, characterized by contrasting styles and raw power. This matchup alone elevates Atlanta's status in the professional tennis landscape, bringing championship-level women's tennis back to a city that has historically supported the sport at all levels.
The men's competition features Atlanta-born Ben Shelton, currently ranked world No. 6, against 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios in their first professional meeting. This pairing combines hometown appeal with international star power, offering fans dynamic rallies and explosive shotmaking from two of the game's most exciting competitors. Shelton's participation particularly resonates with Atlanta's tennis community, showcasing a local product who has rapidly ascended to the sport's upper echelons.
The event's significance extends beyond the court, as Atlanta boasts one of the nation's most robust tennis infrastructures. The Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA), founded in 1934, has grown into the country's largest community tennis league with well over 100,000 active players. USTA Atlanta remains one of the largest community tennis associations nationwide, creating a fertile environment for professional tennis to thrive. Jason Dolan, founder of The Atlanta Cup, emphasized that "Atlanta is the heartbeat of American tennis participation – and it once again has a marquee annual event that its legacy deserves."
Produced in partnership with the United States Tennis Association and ALTA, The Atlanta Cup aims to establish itself as the city's annual signature tennis showcase. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com, with additional event information accessible at theatlantacup.com. The event's timing and star power position it to fill the void left by the departed Atlanta Open while leveraging Atlanta's established reputation as a premier tennis destination, potentially creating new economic opportunities and reinforcing the city's status within the global tennis community.