Watch ATP Winston-Salem Open — Round 1 Free.

What's at Stake

As the final ATP 250 tournament on the calendar before the US Open, the Winston-Salem Open offers players a crucial last-minute opportunity to secure valuable ranking points and build confidence on North American hardcourts. For many competitors in this opening round, finding their rhythm in match conditions is vital for securing a potential seeding or gaining momentum ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year. Success here can make the difference between a deep run in New York or an early exit.

Form Guide

Heading into this hardcourt fixture, the competitors present contrasting runs of form from the recent summer swing. While some players are looking to snap early-round losing streaks suffered at the Masters 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati, others are arriving fresh from the Challenger circuit with plenty of match wins under their belt. Adapting quickly to the humid North Carolina conditions and the fast-playing surface will be the deciding factor for those trying to establish consistency.

Key Players to Watch

• Alex Michelsen — The young American thrives on fast domestic hardcourts and will look to use his powerful baseline game to dictate play.
• Borna Coric — A proven competitor on this surface whose defensive resilience and experience in tight matches make him a tough first-round hurdle.
• Christopher Eubanks — Armed with a massive serve and aggressive net play, he remains highly dangerous when his offensive game clicks.

Prediction

With players still adjusting to the specific bounce and speed of the Winston-Salem courts, expect a highly competitive opening-round clash that goes the distance. The player who can maintain a high first-serve percentage and limit unforced errors in the humid conditions will hold the upper hand. A tight three-set victory is the most likely outcome as both competitors push to find their rhythm ahead of the US Open.