What Is 2017 Winston-Salem Open – Doubles

Overview

The 2017 Winston-Salem Open – Doubles was a men's professional tennis doubles event held as part of the ATP World Tour 250 series. Taking place from August 20 to August 26, 2017, the tournament served as a key warm-up event for the US Open, attracting top doubles teams preparing for the Grand Slam.

Played on outdoor hard courts at the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the event featured a 16-team doubles draw. The tournament culminated in a decisive final where the top-seeded pair claimed victory in straight sets.

• Champions: Łukasz Kubot and Marcelo Melo won the title by defeating Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury 6–4, 6–2 in the final on August 26, 2017.
• Seeding: The Polish-Brazilian duo entered as the first seeds, reflecting their strong ATP rankings and prior season performance.
• Path to victory: Kubot and Melo won four matches, including a semifinal win over Nikola Mektić and Alexander Peya in three sets.
• Tournament level: Classified as an ATP 250 event, it offered 250 ranking points to the winning team.
• Surface: Matches were played on outdoor hard courts, identical to those used at the US Open, aiding player preparation.

How It Works

The Winston-Salem Open is part of the ATP Tour calendar and functions as a crucial late-summer competition. Doubles teams compete in a knockout format, with matches typically using best-of-three sets and a match tiebreak in lieu of a third set.

• Format:Knockout bracket with 16 teams; includes first round, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final over six days.
• Scoring: Matches use standard ATP doubles scoring, with a 10-point match tiebreak replacing the third set.
• Seeding: Based on ATP rankings; top four pairs receive seeding to avoid early-round matchups.
• Prize Money: The 2017 doubles event offered $615,000 in total prize money, with winners earning $86,800.
• Player Eligibility: Teams qualify via rankings, wild cards, or direct acceptance based on availability and ATP criteria.
• Surface Type:DecoTurf hard courts are used, the same surface as the US Open, providing consistent bounce and speed.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Winston-Salem Open – Doubles compares to similar ATP events in terms of structure and rewards.

The Winston-Salem Open sits in the ATP 250 tier, offering the same points and prize structure as other events at that level. While smaller than Masters 1000 or Grand Slam tournaments, it provides valuable ranking points and match practice ahead of the US Open. Its timing and surface make it a strategic stop for doubles specialists and top players alike.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Winston-Salem Open – Doubles had broader implications for player rankings, team dynamics, and Grand Slam preparation. Its results influenced seeding for the upcoming US Open and highlighted the growing competitiveness of the ATP doubles circuit.

• Ranking Impact: Winning 250 points helped Kubot and Melo maintain their positions in the ATP Top 10 doubles rankings.
• US Open Prep: The event served as a critical warm-up, allowing teams to fine-tune strategies on identical hard courts.
• Team Chemistry: Kubot and Melo strengthened their partnership, later achieving success at Grand Slam events.
• Emerging Talent: Joe Salisbury, though a finalist, gained valuable experience that contributed to his future Grand Slam success.
• Tournament Prestige: As one of the final ATP events before the US Open, it draws high-caliber teams seeking momentum.
• Economic Impact: The event brought over $5 million in economic benefit to Winston-Salem, per local estimates.

The 2017 Winston-Salem Open – Doubles was more than just a title match—it was a strategic milestone in the tennis calendar, influencing rankings, team dynamics, and player readiness for the sport’s biggest stage.