'Federer, Djokovic, Nadal's appearance fees are too high for Winston Salem'
In an exclusive interview to Tennis World USA, the Winston Salem Open Tournament Director Bill Oalkes commented on the upcoming American event that will take place in late August. Not too many high ranked players have committed and world No. 16 Nikoloz Basilashvili is the top seed. "Most of the tournaments struggle with keeping the top ten players prior to Grand Slams. We work really hard, there are several players ranked on the top 50. We are working with several higher-ranked players to give them wild cards. It depends on who needs additional matches before the US Open. Six top 30 players called me. We have had success over the years, John Isner, David Goffin, Andy Roddick, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga", admitted Oalkes.
Asked if he ever thought of switching dates of the Winston Salem, moving it to other parts of the year, Oalkes added: "We have considered that change but being the last tournament prior to the US Open is good. We are the only tournament that takes place over a week."
Asked if it's possible, in ideal conditions, to bring one between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in Winston Salem, Oalkes concluded: "No. We would love to get them but their appearance fees are very high. But they have commitments in New York prior to the US Open, with sponsors and other groups. If a player chooses not to play because he has played enough matches or has other commitments, I respect that."
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/318pnUo
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