Two-Time Champ John Isner Gears Up for Winston-Salem Open

For John Isner, the Winston-Salem Open is as much a homecoming as a tennis tournament. The Greensboro native has won the tournament twice, in 2011 and 2012.

As of Monday Isner was ranked number 12 in the world, making him currently the highest ranked American male tennis player and the only American among the world's top 60.

Isner says that being the highest ranked U.S. player makes him a fan favorite during American tournaments, and the Winston-Salem Open is no different. Isner has never lost a match at the Winston-Salem Open, and he says fan support has played a big role.

Isner had planned to play in last year's tournament but pulled out on the eve of the competition after experiencing pain in his hip flexor. The pain flared up during a tough, hard-fought loss to Rafael Nadal in the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati just before the start of the Winston-Salem Open.

Isner says he has since changed his workout routine. He's spending more time in the gym and less on the courts to help make him stronger and avoid injuries. He's confident he'll be healthy for the Winston-Salem Open, and he's hoping for a strong turnout from fans looking for world-class tennis action.

Last year's Open champion, Austrian Jurgen Melzer, is also scheduled to return to this year's competition. The Winston-Salem Open begins August 16^th and has a total purse of $625,000.