CARY, N.C. -- Professional Tennis is officially back in North Carolina as a new field of competitors ramp up to compete in the Atlantic Tire Championships. The United States Tennis Association Pro Circuit tournament will feature some of the top men's tennis professionals, many straight from the U.S. Open.

Ted Reese, the Co-Director of the Atlantic Tire Championships, told Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair that he thinks the tournament is so successful and grows every year because they offer a little something for everybody.  In its fourth year, the tournament is seeing a lot of players putting the event on their calendar, making it increasingly competitive.

Playing for $50,000, the tournament will feature 32 players and 16 doubles teams, with players ranked as high as 50th in the world.  The tournament also features a number of philanthropic angles.  On Thursday, Sept. 13, the tournament will celebrate Charity Day, where an Abilities Tennis Exhibition Match on the Stadium Court will take place. Meanwhile, the tournament will host an evening Ladies event and fashion show, where a portion of ticket proceeds will help benefit Transitions LifeCare. And on Wednesday, the Women’s Charity Classic will also benefit the same cause.

Tickets to the tournament are on sale now and start at $10. They can be purchase on the Atlantic Tire Championship’s website, at the Cary Tennis Park, or by calling Etix at 800-514-3849.