Novak Djokovic is not the type of player tennis fans would normally expect to see competing at the Winston-Salem Open a week before the US Open.
However, tournament director Jeff Ryan has revealed that welcoming the 24-time Major champion to North Carolina would represent a dream achievement before his retirement.
Ryan understands that attracting leading players to an ATP 250 event immediately before a Major is extremely difficult, particularly with many stars resting or participating in activities in New York.
Still, he believes Novak’s presence would have an extraordinary impact extending well beyond the tournament itself. The director would also love the Serb to experience Winston-Salem, its community and the tournament’s close relationship with Wake Forest University.
Djokovic represents the ultimate dream signing
Winston-Salem occupies one of the most challenging positions on the ATP calendar. Staged immediately before the US Open, the event traditionally provides players with a final opportunity to gain competitive matches before traveling to New York.
For the leading names, however, that week is generally reserved for recovery, practice and promotional commitments around Flushing Meadows. Ryan openly acknowledged that Winston-Salem is not normally positioned to attract the world’s top-20 players.
Luciano Darderi, Arthur Rinderknech, Alejandro Tabilo and Ignacio Buse should be the top seeds in Winston-Salem this year, although that can all change after the Cincinnati Masters.
Jeff believes Winston-Salem could leave its mark on Novak
Interestingly, tournament director does not view a potential Djokovic appearance solely from the tournament’s perspective. He believes the experience could also offer the veteran something different from the sport’s largest stages.
After spending more than two decades competing at packed Major arenas and prestigious Masters 1000 events, Novak would encounter a more intimate tennis environment in Winston-Salem.
The Serb, who likes exploring new things and places, would certainly enjoy his tri to Winston-Salem and the famous University, although it’s unlikely to happen before he retires.
“I like to say, I think the truth is, to your point, you know, we are really not a top-20 type of event. Those folks are either further gainfully employed now by the USTA in their fan week exhibitions and what’s going on up there, or resting up or otherwise.
So that being said, if somehow, some way I could – before I retire – be part of getting somebody like Novak to come through here, that would have an incredible impact on this community.