It is rare that you will find a Croatian and a Frenchman in a barbecue restaurant in Dallas, Texas. But such is the nature of the ATP Tour that the greatest tennis players in the world, like 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic and 2025 breakthrough lefty Terence Atmane, get to savour the spectacle of the cities they visit.
The Europeans learned about local barbecue from pit masters at Hutchins BBQ, and they even were able to look into multiple active smokers and ask questions about the heat at which food is cooked, the wood that is used and more before digging into a meal themselves ahead of the Nexo Dallas Open.
“It was a fantastic day, a great experience," Cilic said. "Coming for the first time [for barbecue] in Texas definitely makes it even more special. And then seeing the process of how the meat is prepared and how much care is taken about the food and all the preparation, it was absolutely worth it.
“We tried it in the end and it was an incredible, incredible experience, one of the best meals I’ve had in a very, very long time. So I'm definitely going to be going to be back. And of course, looking forward to start a nice week here in Dallas.”
Cilic and Atmane visited the restaurant in the morning and there was already a lengthy line outside. The competitors at the ATP 500 event held in Texas quickly learned why when they dug into ribs, brisket, 'Texas Twinkies' and more.
“Honestly, today’s experience at the barbecue was just truly unbelievable. I will never forget it,” Atmane said. “And sharing this with Marin was exceptional. The meat was absolutely insane, trying to see the process of everything, to see the machine, the smokers, and to try the food was truly unbelievable.
“I’m so happy I had the chance to see this and hopefully next year I can come back.”
Cilic will begin his Nexo Dallas Open against sixth seed Learner Tien. A win for the former No. 3 player in the PIF ATP Rankings would mark his 600th tour-level singles victory. Atmane will take on eighth seed Frances Tiafoe in the first round.
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