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Top-seeded Fritz Powers Into Atlanta Final Against Vukic

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Top-seeded Fritz Powers Into Atlanta Final Against Vukic


American Taylor Fritz waves to the crowd after defeating J.J. Wolf in the semi-finals of the ATP Atlanta Open


Adam Hagy

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Top-seeded American Taylor Fritz defeated compatriot J.J. Wolf 6-3, 7-5 on Saturday to book a title clash with Australian Aleksandar Vukic in the ATP Tour hardcourt tournament in Atlanta.

Fritz, ranked ninth in the world, will be chasing his second title of the season after lifting his fifth career ATP trophy in Delray Beach in February.

“It was really solid,” Fritz said. “I served well the whole match.

“Whenever I was in trouble I played a lot of good points,I just did what I was supposed to do and didn’t really give him much,” added Fritz, who saved both break points he faced.

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Vukic, the 27-year-old from Sydney, defeated Frenchman Ugo Humbert 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 7-5 to reach his maiden ATP Tour final.

The Australian was playing in his first ATP Tour semi-final after upsetting local favorite and Wimbledon quarter-finalist Christopher Eubanks in the quarters.

Vukic, who hit 34 winners and 17 aces, came alive in the second set tie-break and having found his aggressive style worked, he powered towards victory against the 38th ranked left-hander Humbert.

“This is unbelievable. I was getting totally outplayed. He was destroying me and I kind of just relaxed and then went for it,” he said.

“I was down one nil, mini-break in the tiebreak and just went for the return and felt the momentum, felt the crowd, and just used it and then broke in the first game of the third. A little hiccup then, but recovered and I couldn’t be happier,” he said.

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Fritz and Vukic have never met before and the Australian knows he is the clear underdog.

“It’s going to be a tough match. I need to serve well and return well and play like I did in the second and third set and I think anything’s possible with this energy, with this environment.

“I’ve got nothing to lose, so let’s see what happens,” he said.



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Atlanta, GA

Braves News: Michael Harris, Tyler Matzek updates, Charlie Morton stellar, and more

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Braves News: Michael Harris, Tyler Matzek updates, Charlie Morton stellar, and more


The Atlanta Braves have already had an injury-plagued 2024 season, from Spencer Strider, to Ronald Acuña Jr., and many in between. There are several players, though, who now come with positive updates regarding their recovery status.

Michael Harris II, who suffered a hamstring strain on June 14, has begun hitting and throwing. He has not yet been cleared to run, but his return may not be too far away.

Tyler Matzek has been crow hopping from 90 feet, after he was placed on the injured list on May 7 with elbow inflammation.

As for A.J. Minter, another rehab start is coming up on Sunday, which will set him up to be activated early next week. He hit the 15-day injured list on May 30 with left hip inflammation.

And lastly, the road to recovery continues for Ian Anderson, as his rehab assignment was transferred to the Augusta GreenJackets.

More Braves News:

Charlie Morton was stellar and the offensive was explosive as the Braves downed the Pittsburgh Pirates, 6-1.

In his Double-A debut, Lucas Braun fanned nine. More in the minor league recap.

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MLB Pipeline’s latest mock draft has right-hander Braylon Doughty to Atlanta.

Carson Benge’s name has come up in plenty of mock drafts. He was originally projected to land with the Braves, but his draft stock has gone up to 12th overall.

The Athletic proposes four trade scenarios and how they could work in Atlanta’s favor.

Braves Podcasts:

MLB News:

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Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda passed away at age 86. The 1967 NL MVP spent the majority of his career with the San Francisco Giants.

The San Francisco Giants placed two infielders on the 10-day injured list in Thairo Estrada and Wilmer Flores. Estrada suffered a wrist sprain and Flores has knee tendinitis.

New York Mets reliever Drew Smith will likely require Tommy John surgery but is headed to get a second opinion.

The Philadelphia Phillies placed Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber on the 10-day injured list. Harper suffered a hamstring strain, while Schwarber goes down with a groin strain.

The Washington Nationals will reportedly call up top outfield prospect James Wood on Monday. The 6-foot-7 21-year-old has put up some ridiculous numbers in the minors.

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Black business owner blindsided by Trump campaign event held at his barbershop

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Atlanta Black business owner blindsided by Trump campaign event held at his barbershop


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A Black business owner in Atlanta said he feels betrayed and blindsided.

The Trump campaign held an event at Rocky’s Barbershop on Wednesday, the day before the highly anticipated presidential debate.

Owner Rocky Jones said that’s not what he signed up for and now he’s speaking out.

“I really take pride in my business,” Jones said.

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Jones said he welcomes customers from all backgrounds and walks of life.

“Mind my business and serve and give haircuts back to the community and have good conversations; it’s never been about politics,” said Jones.

He said his business has never been the site of a political event until Wednesday when prominent Republicans packed inside the day before the presidential debate in Atlanta.

Former President Trump called in at one point during Wednesday’s event.

“I feel like I have been betrayed,” said Jones.

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Days before the debate, Jones said someone he considered a friend reached out to him about being the host site for a small Black business roundtable.

Jones said there was never any mention this was a political event.

Jones added he never heard from a Trump campaign representative either.

Jones said the timing of the event didn’t raise any flags that the event would be political.

“I honestly didn’t think about it. It was just once you say Black small business give back to the community, it’s like, ‘Okay, I’m doing it,’” said Jones. “Just be aware that it is election season, and the timing seems a little suspect.”

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Jones is warning other business owners to have a healthy dose of skepticism.

“Even though I trusted that person, I didn’t do the research I should’ve done. Now, I’m letting everyone else know you need to be aware of these calls,” Jones said.

Atlanta News First did make contact with the Trump campaign. They acknowledged our request but were not able to get us a response by airtime.

Jones said he was compensated for the two hours he had to close his business for the event but adds he’s now willing to give the money back.

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Killer Mike, Billboard rank their top 'Get Up' Atlanta anthems

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Killer Mike, Billboard rank their top 'Get Up' Atlanta anthems


Atlanta native and musician Killer Mike recently teamed up with Billboard to compile a list of the best “Get Up” anthems of Atlanta—the songs that energize and inspire the city. Here’s a look at the top five:

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  1. “Player’s Ball” by Outkast, T.I., and Rubber Band Man: Leading the list, this anthem is celebrated for its iconic beat and motivational lyrics.
  2. “March Madness” by Future: This song comes in second, known for its high-energy delivery and popularity in the city.
  3. “Cell Therapy” by Goodie Mob: Ranking third, this track is praised for its deep lyrical content and impact on Atlanta’s music scene.
  4. “Knuck If You Buck” by Crime Mob: In fourth place, this song is a staple at Atlanta events, known for its hype and rowdy energy.
  5. “No Mo Play in Georgia” by Pastor Troy: Closing the top five, Killer Mike highlights this anthem as an important piece for the city’s spirit and culture.

These selections showcase the diverse and influential music that has shaped Atlanta’s vibrant culture.



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