An Insider's Guide to the Winston-Salem Open

All eyes in the tennis world will be on Winston-Salem later this summer when the 13th annual Winston-Salem Open rolls into town Aug. 17-24. As the final tune-up before the U.S. Open, the weeklong tournament brings many of the top men’s players in the world to Wake Forest Tennis Complex for a bout of ‘Big Time Tennis, Served Southern Style.’ To preview this year’s event, here are six things to know about the annual summertime slam.

It’s an award-winning tournament

The first Winston-Salem Open (WSO) was held in 2011 on what was once a parking lot adjacent to Wake Forest’s football stadium (Truist Field). Everything had to be built from the ground up, including the main court and stadium, other competition courts, and nearly a dozen practice courts. Fast forward to today, and the former parking lot has morphed into one of the Southeast’s most popular tennis destinations, earning “ATP Tournament of the Year” honors in 2016.

Players love it

ATP President Chris Kermode has talked to countless players who’ve played in Winston-Salem. And they all tell him the same thing. “They all say, ‘Wow, it’s such an amazing event. It’s so friendly. It’s got great facilities, loads of practice courts, everything we could want,’” he said. “It’s just a brilliant event." Among the players singing Winston-Salem’s praises is tennis superstar Andy Roddick, who played in the inaugural 2011 event. “The way the community rallied behind the event was really special. I know a lot of other players share my feelings.”

It’s part of the world’s top tennis tour 

The Winston-Salem Open is part of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour, the world’s top tour (akin to the PGA Tour in golf). It features a singles draw of 48 players and a doubles draw of 16 teams, offering players a chance to earn ATP ranking points and prize money. Speaking of prize money, the Winston-Salem Open is classified as an ATP 250 event, meaning it’s on the lower end of ATP events regarding prize money, or “purse,” compared to bigger tournaments such as the Paris or Canadian Open (both ATP 1000 events). And yet, the WSO attracts some of the sport’s biggest names each year because of where it falls on the calendar. (Right before the U.S. Open...)

It’s the final tune-up before the U.S. Open

Held annually in late August, the Winston-Salem Open serves as the final lead-up event to the U.S. Open, the year’s last major tournament. The timing means that many players come to Winston-Salem hoping to fine-tune their skills before heading to New York (the site of the U.S. Open). Such was the case in 2021 when tennis superstar Andy Murray accepted a wild-card invitation to the WSO just days before it started. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam winner, was recovering from an injury then and hoped a good showing in Winston-Salem would springboard him to success at the U.S. Open. 

Officials with the Winston-Salem Open add some extra incentive by making the playing conditions nearly identical to those found in New York. Everything from the ball size to the court surface to even the lighting was designed to mimic those at the U.S. Open. As a bonus — players and coaches who make the final round in Winston-Salem are flown directly to New York in a private jet following the tournament.

The fan experience is unbeatable

“Come for the tennis — stay for the experience.” It’s a mantra that’s guided the Winston-Salem Open since its founding. You’ll enjoy many perks not seen at most major sporting events — including free parking, extra roomy seats, and an expanded “fun zone” for kids — not to mention affordable ticket packages. Convenience is also a huge draw, as Wake Forest Tennis Complex is about a 5 minute drive from downtown, where you’ll find more than a dozen lodging options. The fan amenities are complemented by a number of special activities for kids and families held in conjunction with the tournament — including the popular Kids’ Day (Aug. 17). See all special events here.

It puts Winston-Salem in the spotlight

There's a lot of local pride behind the Winston-Salem Open, starting with the name itself. Instead of selling the naming rights, organizers intentionally kept Winston-Salem in the title. “You can’t understate how unique that is and what a promotional tool it is for the city,” says tournament director Jeff Ryan. “The event is broadcast in more than 100 countries, meaning the name ‘Winston-Salem’ is seen by thousands across the globe." In addition to the name, the tournament incorporates other local touches, such as the Moravian star-shaped trophies. 

Add it all up — the exciting player field, unbeatable fan experience, and local significance — and it’s easy to see why the tournament has become one of the state’s most highly anticipated sporting events.  

If You Go

The 2024 Winston-Salem Open is Aug. 17-27 at the Wake Forest Tennis Center and will be broadcast in its entirety live on the Tennis Channel. Here's what to know before you go:

1. Tickets to individual sessions start around $10 for qualifying matches. Tickets can be purchased online at WinstonSalemOpen.com, by phone at 336-758-6409, or in person at the Wake Forest ticket office at Bridger Field House, adjacent to the Tennis Center
2. A number of ticket packages are also available, including Friends Packages, week-long box seats, Rally Row, and discounted group tickets. For more details, check the Ticket Information page on the WSO website. 
3. The full player field includes some big names, including 35 players who are inside the world’s top 75, with nearly half of them ranked inside the top 50. See the field here.
4. No outside food or beverages are allowed, except for unopened 20-ounce (or smaller) water bottles (one per person). Check out the online FAQ here to see other non-permitted items.
5. You’ll find dozens of hotels within 10 minutes of the tournament site, including the Downtown Marriott (the event’s official hotel partner). There are also a few hotels within walking distance (including Courtyard by Marriott), which is one of several area hotels offering discounts to ticketholders.