From professional tournaments in the 1990s, featuring legends such as Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras, to Davis Cup events early in the new millennium, Winston-Salem has long been a hub for professional tennis. The Winston-Salem Open, a mainstay on the ATP Tour circuit since 2011, is the latest chapter in the city’s love affair with the sport.
“Winston-Salem has proven to love tennis and the international stage,” said Robin Lindner, the Winston-Salem Open’s marketing and communications director. “This is the only ATP Tour level event in North Carolina. You can have a world-class experience without leaving the Triad.”
The 2024 incarnation of the event, taking place Aug. 18 to 24 at the Wake Forest Tennis Complex, features 15 of the world’s top 50 players, world-class medalists and 2024 Wimbledon and French Open champions.
Top tier talent
The final North American ATP event before the U.S. Open, the Winston-Salem Open has, for years, served as a tuneup for players before the sport’s final Grand Slam event. The 2024 player field includes 35 players who are ranked among the world’s top 75.
The field’s marquee names include past Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini, rising French star Arthur Fils, and former Winston-Salem Open quarterfinalist Jack Draper, Great Britain’s top-ranked player.
The doubles draw is set to include Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek, fresh off a silver medal win, and reigning Wimbledon singles champion Henry Patten with his teammate Harri Heiliövaara.
Serving more than tennis
Between the baselines, the speed and power displayed by the world’s top tennis players are sure to keep fans riveted. The event’s appeal, however, extends well beyond the hard court.
“We are serving more than tennis,” Lindner said. “We have created an all-encompassing entertainment experience.”
That experience includes a robust schedule of family-friendly special events; promotions that offer free seats — with purchase of a single reserved seat — to educators, first responders and military members; and a number of meet-and-greets and autograph sessions with some of tennis’s biggest stars.
The event’s goal of enhancing the spectator experience has led to an expansion of dining options in 2024 to include food trucks and the addition of shaded bar areas.
For an immersive viewing experience, fans can watch matches from new premium seats on “Rally Row” (directly behind sideline banners). Additionally, each Rally Row seat holder receives a session pass to the hospitality suite in the Harold Pollard Center.
The Winston-Salem Open offers a unique experience for a range of audiences.
“This is the hottest ticket in town,” Lindner said. “It is, for many people, the social event of the summer. Whether you are looking for fun for the whole family or a unique date night, we have you covered. If you’re a die-hard fan, you can sit courtside. If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, there’s so much action you don’t have to sit at one court all day.”
Click here to buy tickets to the Winston-Salem Open.
