Stephens vs. Taylor in Sunday Showdown at Atlanta Open after Williams withdraws

The Atlanta Open announced that 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens will compete with Taylor Townsend in the UPS Sunday Showdown on July 21 at 7 p.m. to kick off the Main Draw.

Venus Williams was initially supposed to compete against Stephens but withdrew from the tournament citing an abdominal injury. Stephens and Townsend will play a three-set singles match.

Williams issued this statement:

“I regret to inform you that I will not be able to participate in this final installment of the Sunday Showdown during the Atlanta Open. During one of my practice sessions, I unfortunately aggravated my abdomen, which will require rest and treatment. I have enjoyed being able to play in Atlanta over the years and sincerely do hope to have the opportunity to return soon. I am nevertheless saddened that I will not be able to participate in this final edition of the Atlanta Open Sunday Showdown.”

GET MORE LOCAL SPORTS NEWS: Subscribe to Sideline, a weekly newsletter about sports. Click here .

Townsend is very familiar with competing in Atlanta having lived in Georgia for several years as a child to train with tennis coach Donald Young Sr. Townsend is a five-time doubles champion, three-time doubles Grand Slam finalist, and has been ranked as high as No. 5 in the world in doubles. Most recently, she won Wimbledon’s women’s doubles with Kateřina Siniaková.

Stevens, a former world No. 3, is also familiar with Atlanta, having played in the 2021 Atlanta Open Sunday Showdown against Kim Clijsters. She has won eight career singles titles, including the 2017 U.S. Open, and was the 2018 runner-up at Roland Garros.

“We are thrilled to welcome Taylor Townsend to the final Sunday Showdown delivered by UPS,” said Peter Lebedevs, Atlanta Open tournament director, in a press release. “Sloane and Taylor are wonderful champions of our sport and fan-favorites in Atlanta. We anticipate a fun, competitive match for Atlanta tennis fans.”

Stephens and Townsend have played twice in their careers with Stephens winning both. The pair’s first meeting was in 2019 at the Australian Open. Most recently, Stephens beat Townsend (6-3, 6-3) in Austin in 2023.

“I look forward to returning to Atlanta and sharing the court again with Taylor,” Stephens said. “I always enjoy the opportunity to play in front of Atlanta tennis fans  and I am excited to be part of the final Sunday Showdown.”The Atlanta Open runs from July 20-28 at Atlantic Station in Atlanta. Tickets to the Sunday Showdown can be purchased here .

The post Stephens vs. Taylor in Sunday Showdown at Atlanta Open after Williams withdraws appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta .