2026 Winston-Salem Open: Dates, Prize Money, Player Field, and Where to Watch
The North American hard-court season is reaching its climax, and all eyes are turning to Wake Forest University for the 2026 Winston-Salem Open. Playing as the final ATP 250 event before the start of the US Open, this tournament gives players one last opportunity to build momentum, collect ranking points, and fine-tune their games on hard courts.
Whether you are a casual fan wanting to track the schedule or a dedicated follower interested in prize money breakdowns and global broadcast networks, this complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about this year’s tournament in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
What Is the Winston-Salem Open?
The Winston-Salem Open is a professional men’s tennis tournament on the ATP Tour calendar. Classified as an ATP 250 event, it takes place on outdoor hard courts at the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex.
Because of its position on the calendar—scheduled immediately prior to the final Grand Slam of the year in New York—it plays an important strategic role for players. For some, it represents a chance to win a tour-level title and earn prize money. For others, it offers high-intensity match practice against top-tier competition before competing in best-of-five-set matches at the US Open. Under the direction of Tournament Director Jeff Ryan, the event features a 48-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles draw.
Key Dates and Match Schedule
The 2026 Winston-Salem Open runs over seven full days of main-draw action, preceded by two days of qualifying rounds. Main-draw matches are divided into afternoon and evening sessions, allowing local spectators and global television audiences to follow the action across multiple time zones.
- Saturday, August 22: Qualifying Round 1 (Starts at 11:00 AM EDT)
- Sunday, August 23: Qualifying Final Round (1:00 PM EDT) & Main Draw First Round (3:00 PM & 6:00 PM EDT)
- Monday, August 24: Main Draw First & Second Rounds (2:00 PM & 6:30 PM EDT)
- Tuesday, August 25: Main Draw Second & Third Rounds (2:00 PM & 6:30 PM EDT)
- Wednesday, August 26: Round of 16 (2:00 PM & 6:30 PM EDT)
- Thursday, August 27: Quarter-Finals (2:00 PM & 6:30 PM EDT)
- Friday, August 28: Semi-Finals (2:00 PM & 6:30 PM EDT)
- Saturday, August 29: Championship Saturday
- Doubles Final: 1:30 PM EDT
- Singles Final: 4:00 PM EDT
Prize Money and Ranking Points Breakdown
The total prize purse for the 2026 Winston-Salem Open stands at US$818,240. Beyond financial rewards, players compete for crucial ATP Ranking points. Winning an ATP 250 tournament can significantly lift a player’s world ranking, potentially securing seeded status at future tournaments or qualifying them for main-draw entries.
Singles Prize Money and Points
Because the singles draw features 48 players instead of the standard 28 or 32 found at many ATP 250 events, the payout structure extends across additional rounds.
| Round Reached | Prize Money (USD) | ATP Ranking Points |
| Champion | $112,420 | 250 |
| Finalist | $64,465 | 165 |
| Semi-Finalist | $37,020 | 100 |
| Quarter-Finalist | $21,380 | 50 |
| Round of 16 | $12,210 | 25 |
| Round of 32 | $7,180 | 13 |
| Round of 48 (First Round) | $4,365 | 0 |
Doubles Prize Money and Points
Doubles prize money is awarded per team rather than per player.
| Round Reached | Prize Money per Team (USD) | ATP Ranking Points |
| Champions | $43,280 | 250 |
| Finalists | $23,260 | 150 |
| Semi-Finalists | $13,600 | 90 |
| Quarter-Finalists | $7,540 | 45 |
| Round of 16 (First Round) | $7,540 | 0 |
Who Is Playing? Player Field Highlights
The 2026 entry list presents an exciting mix of established ATP Tour regulars, dangerous hard-court specialists, and rising international talent aiming for breakout results.
- Luciano Darderi: The Italian headline act enters North Carolina looking to assert his game on hard courts after showing steady development on the tour.
- Arthur Rinderknech: The powerful Frenchman brings big-serving capabilities that make him a constant threat on fast outdoor hard courts.
- Alejandro Tabilo: The Chilean left-hander adds variety and clay-to-hard court adaptability to the upper end of the draw.
- Ignacio Buse & Arthur Fery: Representing the younger wave of tour contenders, Peru’s Buse and Britain’s Fery bring valuable momentum following standout performances earlier in the season.
- Raphael Collignon: The Belgian contender adds further depth to a balanced main draw where unseeded players frequently score upsets.
Where to Watch: Global Broadcaster List
Tennis fans across the world can catch live coverage of the 2026 Winston-Salem Open via official ATP broadcast partners or live-streaming services.
Global Streaming
For fans in countries without dedicated television coverage—or those who prefer digital access—every match from the main draw is broadcast live and on-demand worldwide via Tennis TV, the official streaming platform of the ATP Tour.
Television Networks by Region
- United States & Territories: Tennis Channel
- United Kingdom & Ireland: Sky UK
- Canada: TSN / Rogers Sportsnet
- Australia: beIN Sports Australia
- Latin America: ESPN International Latam
- France: Eurosport France
- Germany, Austria, & Switzerland: Sky Deutschland
- Italy, San Marino, & Vatican City: Sky Italia
- Spain: Telefonica / Movistar
- Czech Republic & Slovakia: Digisport
- India & South Asia: FanCode
- Middle East & North Africa: beIN SPORTS Middle East
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Supersport Africa
- Japan: U-NEXT
- China: Youku / ESPN International China
Why the Winston-Salem Open Matters
Holding a tournament immediately before a Grand Slam creates a unique competitive environment. Some high-ranked players choose to rest during this week, opening up clear pathways for middle-tier and emerging players to win ATP titles and earn career-high rankings.
For fans attending in person at Wake Forest University or watching on screen, the Winston-Salem Open provides intimate access to elite tennis, high-stakes battles, and an early preview of who is in peak form heading into the final Grand Slam of the summer.
