Could be next Open champion, perhaps (8)
I believe the answer is:
exponent
'champion perhaps' is the definition.
(champion is a kind of exponent)
'could be next open' is the wordplay.
'could be' indicates an anagram.
'next'+'open'='nextopen'
'nextopen' anagrammed gives 'EXPONENT'.
(Other definitions for exponent that I've seen before include "Interpreter - performer" , "Interpretive artist - open next (anag)" , "skilful practitioner" , "Symbol of power" , "Interpreter, advocate; (maths.) power" .)