In a construction war zone, the Battle of Georgia was fought today. The grounds of the Racquet Club of the South, under new branding as the Lifetime Fitness and Tennis Center, are nothing short of a mess. The venue is expected to be a world-class facility with superior accommodations when it is completed, but for this year, players and fans alike are using porta-potties and walking through muddy trails to get in and out of the facility.
The draw gods didn’t help either, as they forced Georgians Mallory Burdette and Irina Falconi to fight it out in the first round on a non-show court. In the end, Burdette’s consistency proved too much for Falconi, who nearly came back to force a third set. Burdette prevailed 6-2, 7-5.
Luckily for Atlanta, another local took home a win today. Grace Min, a late addition to the field this week, knocked out top seed Julia Cohen 6-3, 6-4. Min, who was double-bageled by Alison Riske in the first round of last year’s event, joked that she couldn’t have done any worse this year unless she gave up a golden set. Getting that first game under her belt seemed to boost her confidence immensely. The result was a disappointment for Cohen, who has enjoyed her best year yet as a pro.
Speaking of disappointment, Bethanie Mattek-Sands was clearly not tuned up in the first set against Madison Keys, and her rally was too little too late as the Wild Card Wonder Kid won 6-2, 6-4 .
Alexa Glatch made quick work of Alison Riske, 6-1, 6-2.
The Women’s semis are set at Norcross at noon tomorrow.
Grace Min and Mallory Burdette will square off on Saturday, and Alexa Glatch will meet Wild Card Wonder Kid Madison Keys.
Tennis Atlantic 
Return Serve?