The Olympus US Open Series on ESPN2 (simulcast on ESPN3.com) — 10 hard court tournaments across North America with a points system and prize money tied to the US Open – will begin this weekend with a new event, the Atlanta Tennis Championships.  ESPN2 will televise 96 hours over six weeks, including nine of the 11 tournament finals (one tournament has both men and women), generally aired on Sunday afternoons, with the men’s and women’s events scheduled back-to-back.  For the first time, all telecasts will be produced in high definition. 

Action gets underway from the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Ga., Friday, July 23 with two-hour telecasts at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., followed by Saturday (1:30-3:30) and the final Sunday at 3 p.m.  Andy Roddick leads the field, joined by Lleyton Hewitt, John Isner of Wimbledon marathon fame, James Blake and Robby Ginepri.  Cliff Drysdale will call the action with Darren Cahill and Brad Gilbert.  At later events, commentators will include Mary Carillo, Mary Joe Fernandez, Chris Fowler, Patrick McEnroe and Pam Shriver.

After Atlanta, men’s events will take place in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Toronto, and Cincinnati.  The women will begin play in Stanford, Calif. on ESPN2 July 30-August 1, followed by San Diego, Cincinnati and Montreal.  Both the men and the women conclude the USOS in New Haven, Conn.  The US Open Series leads to the US Open in New York, tennis’ final Grand Slam event of the season.  ESPN2 and ESPN3.com will again have extensive coverage.  Photos