Adam Baron on What Makes the Delray Beach Open a Unique Stop on the ATP Tour

Adam Ross welcomed listeners to the Florida Tennis Podcast for a wide-ranging preview of the Delray Beach Open with guest Adam Baron, executive director of the tournament. The conversation focused on what fans can expect when the ATP 250 returns to downtown Delray Beach in February, how the event has evolved, and why it continues to feel distinct on the professional calendar. Filmed and recorded ahead of the tournament, the podcast served as both an overview of the week and a deeper look at the values that shape the event’s structure, programming, and atmosphere.

Founded by Mark Baron, the tournament director, the Delray Beach Open has grown into a family-run event with deep roots in the sport. Today, the operation remains within the Baron family, with Adam Baron serving as executive director and his brother Ivan Baron as tournament chairman. On the podcast, Adam Baron outlined how that continuity influences the way the tournament is run. “My father Mark Barron started the tournament 34 years ago,” he said.

One of the defining features of the Delray Beach Open is how it maintains a personal feel while welcoming tens of thousands of spectators. Baron explained that the layout and location are central to that experience. “We try to keep that intimate feel,” he said, referencing the site’s walkable footprint and its placement on Atlantic Avenue. “We want people to come make it easy for everyone come and go right on the Avenue, Delray Beach, it’s so beautiful right there, a mile from the beach.” For Baron, accessibility is not an afterthought but a core part of the event’s design.

The tournament’s identity is summed up in a slogan that has become increasingly accurate with time. “Champion play, fans party,” Baron said, describing the balance the event tries to strike between competition and entertainment. He emphasized that the goal is not only to serve longtime tennis fans, but also to attract new audiences who may be experiencing live professional tennis for the first time. “When you’re right there close to the action, you see this guy hit a hundred and thirty, hundred and forty mile an hour serve and then the guy returned it right back,” he said referencing how seeing it in person is a different thing than seeing on television, "It's like wow, these guys are really good."

That approach is most visible during the opening weekend, which blends legends tennis with ATP qualifying. Baron described it as a natural entry point for the week. “Opening weekend, nice opening with the legends players,” he said, noting that the event begins with familiar names before transitioning fully into the ATP draw. He confirmed that Juan Martin del Potro will return this year and highlighted the Bryan Brothers as a consistent presence, creating a weekend that feels both celebratory and competitive.

As the main draw begins, the field reflects the tournament’s role as a bridge between established stars and emerging players. Baron explained that final entries are confirmed later in January, but several key names are already set. “Casper Ruud, the first time he's coming so excited to see him." He also pointed to returning favorites. “Taylor Fritz coming back always great seeing Taylor, he’s been here for the last several years,” Baron said, emphasizing the importance of continuity alongside new faces.

Beyond the matches, Baron stressed that participation is central to the Delray experience. Events like the Mega Mixer and Legends Clinic are designed to put fans on court, not just in the stands. “Anybody can play a little round Robin,” Baron said of the mixer, which allows players of all levels to hit on site before the tournament begins. The Legends Clinic is more limited by design. “We limited to 18 people, so it’s not like, thousands of people,” he said, explaining how that structure creates meaningful interaction with former tour players.

Community programming remains another pillar of the tournament’s week, particularly through partnerships with local and national organizations. "We like to work with any charity we can." Baron emphasized that, "it's nice to give back to the charities the best we can." On opening weekend, the Delray Beach Open offers free access towards military, teachers, doctors, first responders, and more where people of these professions can also bring a guest.

The podcast concluded with a preview of the nightly food and entertainment programming that runs alongside the matches. “Now we have an event every single night,” Baron said, describing the Delray Beach Open Food and Wine Series, which features themed tastings throughout the week. From opening weekend through the finals, the goal remains consistent: provide high-level tennis, create access for fans, and deliver an experience that feels both professional and personal. As Baron made clear throughout the conversation, the Delray Beach Open’s uniqueness is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate choices, repeated year after year, by a family that has grown alongside the tournament itself.

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Written By Florida Tennis Assistant Editor Alex Binstok. Photo credits: Delray Beach Open.