Five-time champion Isner to return to Atlanta

John Isner is the king of the BB&T Atlanta Open. He's won five of the last six editions of the tournament, and has reached the final eight times. Suffice to say, no one will want to face the American in Atlanta, where he'll return next week, looking to improve on his 31-4 record in the event, and look to capture his third straight title.

Isner is entering the summer hard-court season having only played two tournaments since March. He skipped the clay-court season completely and played no grass-court events before playing his first match at the Wimbledon. At the All England Club, he won his opening match against Casper Ruud but fell in the second round to Mikhail Kukushkin. Before the Wimbledon loss, Isner held a 4-0 head-to-head record against Kukushkin.

The American will not be going into Atlanta cold; he's set to play Kamil Majchrzak in his first round of Newport. Though on grass, this tournament will give some insight into Isner's current form.

Let's not forget that Isner is a University of Georgia Bulldog alum. Not only will he have experience and history on his side, but also he'll enjoy great crowd support.

Earlier this year the 34-year-old, had a great showing at the Miami Open where he knocked off Kyle Edmund and Roberto Bautista Agut in his pursuit to defend his ATP Masters 1000 title, but was dismissed by Roger Federer in the final.

The BB&T Atlanta Open main draw begins on Monday.