Monday is the start of the US Open in New York, but for the past week, the eyes of tennis fans around the world have been focused on the Triad.
“Winston-Salem is the final stop in the nine-tournament Emirates Airline US Open Series. On Saturday, this year's Winston-Salem Open came to a dramatic close. The eventual men's singles champion, world number 33 Lukas Rosol of the Czech Republic fought off courtside temperatures in the 90s, heavy humidity, and two championship points against 52nd ranked Jerzy Janowicz of Poland. The final score was 3-6, 7-6, 7-5. In the doubles it was the Columbian duo of Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah dominating Jamie Murray of Scotland—world number nine Andy Murray's older brother—and Australian John Peers 6-3, 6-4.
Throughout the week, tennis fans from all across North Carolina traveled to the Wake Forest University Tennis Center. There were many new faces in the stands, as well as seasoned Winston-Salem Open veterans. Both groups appreciated the high level of competition on the courts.
Many fans also took notice of the number of off-court amenities that have grown over the four year history of the tournament. Those reactions from fans and corporate sponsors have been music to the ears of W-S Open Tournament Director Bill Oakes. According to Oakes preliminary ticket sales appear to be slightly down from last year's total, but he sees the tournament well positioned for continued growth.
The 2014 Winston-Salem Open champion Lukas Rosol now enters the opening round of the U.S. Open with a head of steam. He'll recognize several of the players in New York from his week here in the Triad. Ten of the competitors in Rosol's quarter of the draw had their hopes dashed this week at the Winston-Salem Open.
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