The Biggest Little Tournament in Tennis

This week some of the top tennis players in the world have converged on Memphis, Tennessee to play in the little-known Regions Morgan Keegan Championships.  This event, held in conjunction with the Cellular South Cup, a women’s event, is one of only 11 ATP 500 tournaments in the world.  It is the only combined men’s and women’s tour event in the world to be held at a private club.

The setting is intimate, with the Stadium court only holding 5000 spectators.  The side courts are even smaller, with portable bleachers set up for the crowd.  Few places offer fans the chance to be this close to their favorite players.

Twelve players who are currently, or have been, in the top-20 world singles rankings are competing this week, including all of the top American players, led by Andy Roddick.  Among the field are 4 Grand Slam winners. 

Future stars such as John Isner, who became known worldwide after winning the longest match in history last year, and Melanie Oudin, the darling of the 2009 US Open, are competing in both singles and doubles events.  Isner is the defending doubles champion here with his teammate, Sam Querrey, who is also the defending singles champ.

The hottest new star on the ATP World Tour, Milos Raonic, came to Memphis fresh off winning his first singles title last week in San Jose.  Ironically, Raonic had to face the same opponent he defeated in the San Jose final – Fernando Verdasco.  Verdasco, who is ranked No. 9 in the world, fell again to Raonic.  It is the 2nd year in a row that Verdasco has lost in the 1st round in Memphis.

Juan Del Potro, the 2009 US Open winner, is looking to rebound after missing most of 2010 with an injury.  Del Potro got off to a good start in Memphis, defeating Isner in the opening round.

Though the top women’s players are not in Memphis, many of the up-and-coming players are here.  In addition to Oudin, American players Alexa Glatch, Vania King, and Coco Vandeweghe are playing.  Glatch and Vandeweghe have made it to the quarterfinal round, and King is challenging to repeat as doubles champion with her partner Michaella Krajicek.  Many of these same players will be travelling to Grapevine, TX for the inaugural Texas Open in August.

The Regions Morgan Keegan Championships will continue through Sunday and can be seen on Tennis Channel.