Top Things To Know
1) Tiafoe in Primetime Monday
Past champion, local resident and ultimate primetime player Frances Tiafoe kicks off his Delray Beach Open Monday at 8 p.m. against qualifier Rinky Hijikata. Other pre-scheduled stars' first matches: Tommy Paul - Tuesday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m.; Casper Ruud - Wednesday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m.; and Taylor Fritz - Thursday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m.
2) Underdogs to Favorites
Two of last season's biggest underdog stories in tennis take the court in back-to-back matches on Monday. Terence Atmane reached the Cincinnati Open Masters 1000 semifinals as a qualifier with wins over top 10 players Taylor Fritz and Holger Rune, but may be most remembered for gifting Jannik Sinner with a Pokemon card for his birthday in the tunnel before they took the court. In his Delray main draw debut, Atmane faces wild card Patrick Kypson, a quarterfinalist here in 2024.
Later in the year, Valentin Vacherot became the lowest-ranked player ever to win a Masters 1000 tournament at No. 204 when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the semifinals and his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the Shanghai final. Vacherot shot up the rankings and is now in the world's top 30 and the sixth seed here in Delray Beach. He does not have an easy draw - he faces American Alex Michelsen on Monday, a semifinalist here last year.
3) Never Underestimate the Qualifiers
A qualifier has won this title three times, so they are not to be overlooked. Four men have won their two qualifying matches to receive entry into this year's main draw. American and two-time DBO main draw competitor Zach Svajda is joined by Rafa Nadal Academy product Coleman Wong. Rinky Hijikata, who saved four match points in his first qualifying match, made it worthwhile by winning his second match to reach the main draw. To round out the field, Sho Shimabukuro took out the qualifying bracket's top seed to make his Delray main draw debut.
4) Annual Food Drive Monday for Charity and a Free Seat
Any fan who donates 10 non-perishable food items during Monday's day session will receive a free seat for the day. Proceeds benefit KOP Mentoring Network. Limit one seat per fan.
5) New BMW Interactive Fan Zone
Your South Florida BMW Centers is hosting a brand new fan zone! Fans of all ages can test their skills on the Racing Simulators and the Speed of Serve Fast Serve Cage, and make memories in the ACE Cam Photo Booth.
6) Pro-Am Bragging Rights
Pro Bart Stevens won the Pro-Am event on Sunday, with fellow pro Ryan Seggerman finishing as runner-up. Both are competing in the Delray Beach Open doubles event this week.
