Time Change For Semis, Finals Pays Off For Winston-Salem Open

The seventh ATP Winston-Salem Open ended yesterday, and Tournament Dir Bill Oakes said it was "as good as any year we’ve had, and maybe better." With the North Carolina heat, Oakes and his staff "decided to move" both semifinals to Friday night, and yesterday's final to 5:00pm ET. Oakes said the time change "was a home run." Oakes: "The crowd today was amazing. It was as good as we’ve had." He added, "What we learned and what we’ve worked toward is we can be a great place for the players to prepare for the (U.S.) Open." Oakes said they are "looking at ways to enhance the fan experience." Oakes: "Shade in the stadium is one of those things we’re looking at" (WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL, 8/27).