2026 Winston-Salem Open Player Entry List Revealed
The excitement for summer tennis is reaching a peak as the 2026 Winston-Salem Open officially released its initial player entry list. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the ATP 250 tournament promises to deliver an unforgettable week of world-class action at the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Scheduled to take place from August 22 to August 29, 2026, the event will showcase 13 players currently ranked inside the top 50 in the world, four former champions seeking repeat glory, dynamic local American talents, and some of the fastest-rising young stars in international tennis.
With a overall prize purse exceeding $775,000 and crucial ATP ranking points on the line right before the U.S. Open, the stage is set for a high-stakes, action-packed tournament.
Headline Stars and Top Contenders
Leading this year’s stellar 48-player singles draw is Italy’s Luciano Darderi, who comes into the event as the highest-ranked player in the initial entry list at World No. 23 (with a career-high ranking of No. 16 reached earlier this season). The 24-year-old Italian has enjoyed a spectacular 2026 campaign, highlighted by a title in Santiago, a finals run in Buenos Aires, and a thrilling semifinal performance at the ATP Masters 1000 Italian Open in Rome. During that memorable run in Rome, Darderi saved four match points to pull off a dramatic comeback victory against World No. 2 Alexander Zverev, marking his first-ever win against a top-10 player. Making his third consecutive appearance in Winston-Salem, Darderi arrives in North Carolina with huge momentum and strong hopes of taking home the title.
Joining Darderi at the top of the field is Great Britain’s Arthur Fery (World No. 37). Fery became an instant international fan favorite this summer after making a fairytale breakthrough run to the semifinals at Wimbledon. His fast court skills and aggressive style make him a major threat on North Carolina’s hard courts.
Tennis fans will also be watching former World No. 10 Denis Shapovalov (CAN). Known for his fiery left-handed game, explosive single-handed backhand, and shot-making ability, Shapovalov remains one of the most entertaining players on the ATP Tour and adds significant star power to the 2026 lineup.
The Return of Former Champions
A major highlight of the 15th-anniversary celebration is the return of four past Winston-Salem Open champions, each eager to lift the trophy for a second time:
- Lorenzo Sonego (Italy) – The 2024 champion returns to reclaim his crown with his signature energetic playing style.
- Sebastian Baez (Argentina) – The 2023 champion brings his relentless baseline court coverage and competitive spirit back to North Carolina.
- Adrian Mannarino (France) – The 2022 champion and veteran tactical master remains one of the trickiest players on tour with his flat, precise strikes.
- Pablo Carreno Busta (Spain) – The 2016 champion brings years of top-level experience, solid baseline play, and big-match poise.
Having four past winners in the draw guarantees exceptional depth and gives fans a chance to rewatch historic court battles from years past.
Homegrown American Hopes
American tennis fans will have plenty to celebrate as several top U.S. stars take to the court:
- Ethan Quinn: Currently sitting at a career-high World No. 46 following a breakout 2026 season, Quinn makes his much-anticipated Winston-Salem Open debut. His strong serve and powerful groundstrokes make him a dangerous contender on hard courts.
- Jenson Brooksby: Ranked World No. 77, Brooksby is also making his tournament debut. Continuing his impressive return to top form after winning his first ATP title at the 2025 U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships, Brooksby’s unique, highly tactical style of play will be a crowd favorite.
Deep International Talent and Emerging Stars
The depth of the 2026 roster ensures exciting matchups right from the opening round. The field features a strong international mix of top-50 contenders and promising young prospects:
- Top-50 Contenders: Arthur Rinderknech (FRA, No. 28), Alejandro Tabilo (CHI, No. 30), Jaume Munar (ESP, No. 43), Mariano Navone (ARG, No. 44), Yannick Hanfmann (GER, No. 45), Luca Van Assche (FRA, No. 48), and Juan Manuel Cerundolo (ARG, No. 50).
- Rising Talents to Watch: Peru’s Ignacio Buse (No. 34) and Belgium’s Raphael Collignon (No. 38) enter the tournament as two of the tour’s most talked-about breakout players this season, both aiming to make a big impression in North Carolina.
Other fan favorites in the main entry list include Quentin Halys, Tomas Machac, Fabian Marozsan, Juncheng Shang, Corentin Moutet, Miomir Kecmanovic, Botic van de Zandschulp, and Hamad Medjedovic.
Tournament Details and Schedule
Organized by Winston-Salem Professional Tennis, Inc. (a non-profit organization), the tournament serves as the final men’s tune-up event before the U.S. Open.
- Venue: Wake Forest University Tennis Complex, Winston-Salem, NC
- Dates: August 22–29, 2026
- Draw Size: 48-player singles draw & 16-team doubles draw
- Format: Qualifying rounds begin Saturday, August 22, with the tournament concluding with the singles and doubles finals on Saturday, August 29.
“As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we’re excited to welcome another outstanding field of players to Winston-Salem,” stated Tournament Director Jeff Ryan. “This year’s entry list features an exciting mix of former champions, rising stars, and fan favorites that will make for an incredible week of tennis.”
With 37 direct entries confirmed and wild card spots still to be announced in the coming days, the 2026 Winston-Salem Open is set to deliver world-class tennis entertainment. Tickets and travel packages are available now on the official tournament website.
The full player list can be seen at winstonsalemopen.com/players
