Medvedev Returns, Tsitsipas Chasing Hard-Court Form at 2026 Winston-Salem Open

The 2026 Winston-Salem Open serves as the final men’s tune-up on North American hard courts ahead of the US Open. Anchored by world-class veterans and an intriguing blend of rising talent, the ATP 250 event features a packed field at Wake Forest University.

Executive Summary: 5 Key Themes

• Top Seed Medvedev Returns: Former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev returns to Winston-Salem for the first time since claiming his second career tour-level title here in 2018 as a 22-year-old. Riding momentum from outdoor hard-court titles in Brisbane and Dubai earlier this season, the top seed headlines the top half of the draw.
• NextGen Generation on Display: Headline attention centers on 17-year-old Cruz Hewitt—son of Australian Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt—who makes his second ATP Tour appearance following his first tour-level win in Washington last month. He joins PIF ATP Live Next Gen Race contender Martín Landaluce and 18-year-old American Darwin Blanch.
• Tsitsipas Chasing Hard-Court Momentum: Seeded seventh, Stefanos Tsitsipas makes a second consecutive appearance at the event. Fresh off a clay-court title in Gstaad last month, the former World No. 3 aims to secure his first hard-court trophy since his victory in Dubai last year.
• Seeded Contenders Form Strong Core: Italian Luciano Darderi takes the second seed position in his third consecutive tournament appearance, while Peru’s Ignacio Buse debuts as the third seed. Fourth seed Arthur Fery makes his second tour-level appearance since his run to the Wimbledon semi-finals earlier this year.
• Former Champions Deepen the Field: Three of the past four tournament champions are in attendance. 2024 winner Lorenzo Sonego could face 2022 champion Adrian Mannarino (9th seed) in a marquee second-round matchup, alongside 2023 champion Sebastián Báez. (Defending champion Márton Fucsovics withdrew prior to the start due to a shoulder injury).

Player Field Overview