Winston-Salem Open Day 1 Preview: Americans collide and rising talents aim to shine before the US Open
The final ATP event before the 2025 US Open starts Sunday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The 48-man draw features no top-25 players, setting the stage for bold upsets and potential breakthrough runs on the hard courts. Day 1 kicks off with several eye-catching first-round matches, including an all-American clash between Mackenzie McDonald and Brandon Holt. Here’s a concise look at the Day 1 slate and what to expect.
Nicolas Jarry vs Kamil Majchrzak
This pairing features a head-to-head line of Jarry 0-1 Majchrzak, meaning Majchrzak owns the advantage in their only previous meeting. Jarry has endured a pronounced tumble since reaching a career-high No. 16 last year, with a quiet season aside from a Wimbledon third-round run. Majchrzak, after capturing a Challenger title and a strong Wimbledon showing, arrives in Winston-Salem in form and hungry for a deep run. Expect a close, competitive match with Majchrzak edging it in three sets.
Prediction: Majchrzak in 3
Botic van de Zandschulp vs Adam Walton
This is a first-time meeting between van de Zandschulp and Walton. Both players are carrying similar win-loss records on the season (9-13), but Walton is enjoying his best surface on hard courts and has momentum from a Cincinnati victory over Daniil Medvedev. Van de Zandschulp hasn’t played in a few weeks, which could give Walton an edge in a tightly contested three-setter.
Prediction: Walton in 3
Sebastian Ofner vs Vit Kopriva
Kopriva owns a 2-6 mark on ATP hard courts, while Ofner heads to North Carolina on a five-match losing streak. With neither player boasting overwhelming firepower, Kopriva’s current confidence could tilt the balance in a competitive duel. Either player could seize the moment, but Kopriva gets the slight nod for the upset in three sets.
Prediction: Kopriva in 3
Mackenzie McDonald vs Brandon Holt
An all-American first-rounder, McDonald holds a 1-0 lead in the head-to-head against Holt. Holt has been climbing back into the Top 100 this season, primarily through Challenger success, while McDonald has shown flashes of form amid a somewhat uneven year. Expect an engaging showcase of two strong Americans, with McDonald’s experience finally helping him past Holt in three sets.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
What to watch this week
– The absence of top-25 players opens doors for younger players to gain momentum and build confidence ahead of New York.
– Majchrzak’s Wimbledon run and Challenger title form make him a key sleeper to watch, potentially carrying that momentum into Winston-Salem.
– Walton’s hard-court capability and recent big-match win against Medvedev highlight him as a dangerous opponent for any seasoned hard-court player.
– Holt’s continued rise and potential to break further into the main tour field will be a storyline of interest for American tennis fans.
Outlook
Day 1 sets an energetic tone for the Winston-Salem Open as players eye valuable match play before the US Open. With a mix of veterans, rising stars, and Americans in the spotlight, fans can expect entertaining rallies and competitive matches that could seed a number of surprising results as the week unfolds.
Summary
The first round features a blend of tough tests and hopeful breakthroughs on the last major outdoor hard-court event before the US Open, highlighted by two American duels and a quartet of closely matched clashes that could shake up the early rounds and propel players into the spotlight.