Winston Salem Open TD:Still optimistic that the summer will continue on as we know it

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Jeff Ryan, the new Tournament Director of the ATP Winston Salem Open, says that he is optimistic that the summer hardcourt season will continue but says all discussions are hypothetical right now.

In an interview to the Winston Salem Journal, Ryan says, "I think everything is hypothetical right now. I think those are questions (canceling or rescheduling) that are being asked of all the tournaments. What is the possibility of this change or that change? I’m still optimistic that the summer will continue on as we know it. It’s been a time like I’ve never witnessed. I know that’s obvious but I guess what’s interesting is that the first time I worked with Don (Flow) in Winston-Salem was with the Davis Cup (in 2001) and with what happened with 9/11 and that caused us to shut down and postpone for the better part of a month or six weeks. What’s been the most difficult part with the pandemic is I would have to say because I’m part of the Olympics with the tennis is seeing the decision to postpone the Olympics."

This will be the first time that Ryan will be the Tournament Director of the event, who also works with the USTA, and says he is looking forward to the first edition. "I would say joining the community. I’ve always felt very welcomed there and back when I first met Don Flow and worked on the Davis Cup it was early in my career at the USTA but I could tell then that it was going to be a great place. I’m looking forward to being a member of the tennis community. But beyond the tennis part of it, I obviously travel quite a bit but this is an opportunity for me to slow down on that end and not take as many trips.I know there is a call and a strong desire to celebrate the 10th anniversary because it’s quite an accomplishment. There are little touch points and it’s going to be my job the next few months to devise those recommendations and suggestions for the tournament. We want to make it an even better event for the fans."

Ryan is also hopeful that two-time champion John Isner, a local favourite, will play this year's event. "John’s certainly welcome any time he wants to play in our tournament. John’s been making decisions for himself in regards with the Davis Cup and he’s got a family now and he’s going to have to decide if he wants to come to Winston-Salem. We’d love to have him come and he’s a hometown favorite but it’s an international tennis event and we are going to be welcoming all players who show an interest."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3aKqWND

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