What Is 2015 Winston-Salem Open - Doubles

Overview

The 2015 Winston-Salem Open was an ATP World Tour 250 event held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, serving as a key warm-up tournament ahead of the US Open. The doubles competition featured an international field of players aiming to gain momentum and ranking points before the final Grand Slam of the season.

Ultimately, the title was claimed by the veteran pairing of Daniel Nestor and Leander Paes, who combined experience and precision to dominate the final. Their victory underscored the value of seasoned doubles specialists in a competitive field of both established and emerging teams.

• Daniel Nestor and Leander Paes captured the title, marking a significant achievement for the veteran duo who had previously won multiple Grand Slam titles in doubles.
• The final match took place on August 29, 2015, concluding with a decisive scoreline of 6–2, 6–3 in favor of Nestor and Paes.
• They defeated the Italian pair Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini, who were seeded fourth in the tournament and had shown strong form throughout the week.
• The tournament was held at the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex, a venue known for its fast hard courts ideal for aggressive baseline play and sharp net transitions.
• As an ATP 250 event, the Winston-Salem Open offered 250 ranking points and prize money totaling $681,645, attracting a competitive field despite its position just before the US Open.

How It Works

The Winston-Salem Open follows standard ATP Tour doubles tournament structure, combining seeding, draw formats, and best-of-three-set matches to determine a champion. The format emphasizes consistency, teamwork, and adaptability under pressure.

• Draw Size: The doubles draw featured 16 teams, with eight pairs receiving direct entry based on rankings and eight determined by qualifiers or wild cards. This structure ensures competitive balance while allowing for surprise entries.
• Seeding: Top teams are seeded to avoid early matchups; in 2015, Bolelli/Fognini were seeded fourth, while Nestor/Paes entered unseeded but advanced through strong performances.
• Match Format: All matches were best-of-three sets with a match tiebreak (first to 10 points) replacing the third set, a common ATP 250 format to manage player workload.
• Court Surface: The event was played on outdoor hard courts, which favor big servers and aggressive returners, influencing team strategies and shot selection throughout the tournament.
• Scoring System: Standard tennis scoring applied, with games to four points and sets to six games (win by two), except for the final set, which used a 10-point tiebreak at 6–6.
• Player Eligibility: Entry was open to ATP-registered doubles teams, with priority given to those with higher rankings or wild card invitations from the tournament organizers.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2015 Winston-Salem Open doubles finalists highlights key differences in experience, ranking, and playing style.

The table illustrates that while the Italian pair had slightly higher individual rankings, Nestor and Paes brought unmatched Grand Slam pedigree and synergy. Their combined experience in high-pressure situations proved decisive in the final, where they capitalized on key moments with precision net play and consistent returns.

Why It Matters

The 2015 Winston-Salem Open – Doubles was more than just a title win; it highlighted the enduring relevance of veteran players in a sport increasingly dominated by younger athletes. It also served as a strategic stepping stone for players preparing for the US Open.

• Veteran Success: Nestor and Paes, both over 40, demonstrated that experience and court intelligence remain vital in modern doubles tennis.
• US Open Preparation: The tournament allowed players to fine-tune their game on similar hard courts used at Flushing Meadows, offering valuable match practice.
• Team Chemistry: The win emphasized how short-term partnerships can succeed with effective communication and complementary styles.
• Global Representation: The international field showcased the globalization of tennis, with finalists from Canada, India, and Italy.
• ATP Points Impact: Winning 250 points boosted Nestor and Paes’ standings, helping them qualify for year-end tournaments.
• Inspiration for Juniors: The event provided young players with live exposure to elite-level tactics and professionalism in a major ATP event.

Ultimately, the 2015 doubles final was a masterclass in teamwork and timing, proving that in doubles tennis, synergy often trumps raw power.