What Is 2014 Winston-Salem Open – Singles

Overview

The 2014 Winston-Salem Open – Singles was a professional men's tennis tournament held as part of the ATP World Tour 250 series. It took place at the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, serving as a crucial warm-up event just before the US Open.

Played on outdoor hard courts, the tournament attracted a mix of top-ranked players preparing for the final Grand Slam of the year and rising contenders seeking ranking points. The 2014 edition marked the 46th overall edition of the event, originally founded in 1971 as the North Carolina Open.

• Benjamin Becker claimed his first ATP title since 2007 by winning the 2014 final with a 6–4, 6–4 victory over Jérémy Chardy.
• The tournament ran from August 24 to August 30, 2014, aligning with the US Open Series schedule.
• As an ATP 250 event, it offered 250 ranking points to the winner and a total prize purse of $731,000.
• Top seed Ernests Gulbis was eliminated in the second round, opening the path for unseeded contenders.
• Becker became the first German champion in the tournament’s history, marking a milestone in his comeback season.

How It Works

The Winston-Salem Open operates under standard ATP Tour rules, featuring a 48-player singles draw with a combination of direct entries, qualifiers, and wild cards. The event is structured to help players fine-tune their game on hard courts before the US Open.

• Draw Size: The singles draw included 48 players, with 16 seeded and 16 receiving first-round byes. This format ensures top players enter in the second round.
• Court Surface: Matches were played on outdoor hard courts, identical to those used at the US Open, providing ideal preparation conditions.
• Ranking Points: The champion earned 250 ATP ranking points, crucial for seeding in upcoming tournaments, including the US Open.
• Prize Money: The 2014 total prize pool was $731,000, with the winner receiving $101,200 and the runner-up $60,000.
• Player Eligibility: Entry was based on ATP rankings, with wild cards granted to players like Donald Young and Tim Smyczek.
• Tournament Timing: Held the week before the US Open, it allowed players to adjust to North American summer conditions and hard-court play.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2014 Winston-Salem Open can be compared to other US Open Series events based on prize money, draw size, and player participation.

This comparison highlights how the Winston-Salem Open fits into the broader US Open Series hierarchy. While smaller than ATP 500 or 1000 events, it provides valuable points and match practice for players aiming to peak at Flushing Meadows.

Why It Matters

The 2014 Winston-Salem Open had significant implications for player rankings, momentum heading into the US Open, and the broader ATP calendar. Its timing and surface made it a strategic stop for competitors adjusting to the North American hard-court swing.

• Benjamin Becker’s victory revitalized his career, marking his third ATP title and first in seven years.
• The tournament helped players like Tommy Robredo and Ernests Gulbis gain rhythm before the Grand Slam.
• Its inclusion in the US Open Series meant performance here contributed to a bonus pool if players succeeded at the US Open.
• For American fans, the event boosted visibility of men’s tennis in the southeastern United States.
• Winston-Salem’s successful hosting reinforced the city’s role in the ATP Tour, attracting over 30,000 spectators annually.
• The event demonstrated how mid-tier ATP tournaments support player development and global tennis expansion.

Ultimately, the 2014 Winston-Salem Open served as both a competitive battleground and a strategic stepping stone in the tennis season, blending athletic achievement with broader tour significance.