It's been a rollercoaster of a week at the Winston-Salem Open and the ATP tournamnet has yet to begin.

Earlier this week, the tournament's top seed, Mardy Fish dropped a bombshell when he announced to officials that he would not play in the tournament. The 29-year-old world number 7 sited fatigue as his reason for withdrawing as he prepares for the U.S. Open immediately following the W-S tournament.

On Friday, WFDD's David Ford caught up with tournament director Bill Oakes. They spoke under a shaded tent area with world number 27, 26- year-old Greensboro native John Isner warming up on court just a few yards away (see picture and film clip).

Fish's exit from the tournament provided and open slot for fellow American James Blake. On Thursday the tounament announced that Blake will fill in for Fish. The 31-year-old former world top ten will be returning to Winston-Salem after playing Davis Cup matches here in 2001, 2007 and 2008 and compiling a 6-0 record. Blake is currently ranked No. 84 in the Olympus US Open ATP rankings.

Meanwhile on Thursday Oakes announced that former world number one Lleyton Hewitt has been added to the field of competitors after receiving the last available wild card entry.

The Winston-Salem Open at Wake Forest University will start Saturday, August 20, with qualifying matches. Play in the main draw will begin Sunday.

You can hear David's complete interview with Bill right here.