50 Facts About Cincinnati Open

The Cincinnati Open: A Storied Tournament

The Cincinnati Open, also known as the Western & Southern Open, is one of the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. Held annually in Mason, Ohio, this event attracts top players from around the globe. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic tournament.

1. The Cincinnati Open began in 1899, making it one of the oldest tennis tournaments still in existence.

2. Originally, the tournament was played on clay courts before switching to hard courts in 1979.

3. The event is part of the ATP Tour Masters 1000 series for men and the WTA Premier 5 for women.

4. The Lindner Family Tennis Center, where the tournament is held, boasts 17 courts, including four stadium courts.

5. The tournament has been sponsored by Western & Southern Financial Group since 2002.

Legendary Players and Memorable Matches

Over the years, the Cincinnati Open has seen some of the greatest tennis players in history grace its courts. Here are some notable moments and players.

6. Roger Federer holds the record for the most men's singles titles at the Cincinnati Open, with seven victories.

7. Serena Williams has won the women's singles title twice, in 2014 and 2015.

8. In 2011, Novak Djokovic became the first player to win five ATP Masters 1000 titles in a single season, including Cincinnati.

9. The longest match in the tournament's history lasted 3 hours and 44 minutes, played between Andy Murray and Mardy Fish in 2010.

10. In 2013, Rafael Nadal won the Cincinnati Open for the first time, completing his collection of ATP Masters 1000 titles.

Unique Aspects of the Tournament

The Cincinnati Open has several unique features that set it apart from other tennis tournaments. Here are some interesting tidbits.

11. The tournament is one of the few combined events where both ATP and WTA matches are played simultaneously.

12. The Lindner Family Tennis Center is the only venue outside the four Grand Slam locations to have more than two permanent stadiums.

13. The tournament has a unique tradition of giving the winners a Rookwood Pottery trophy, a nod to Cincinnati's rich pottery history.

14. The Cincinnati Open is known for its fan-friendly atmosphere, offering numerous activities and events for spectators.

15. The tournament has a strong commitment to sustainability, implementing various green initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.

Records and Milestones

The Cincinnati Open has seen numerous records and milestones achieved over its long history. Here are some of the most notable ones.

16. In 2004, Lindsay Davenport became the first woman to win the singles title three times in the Open Era.

17. The youngest player to win the men's singles title was Boris Becker, who triumphed in 1985 at the age of 17.

18. The oldest player to win the men's singles title was Ken Rosewall, who won in 1970 at the age of 35.

19. In 2018, Kiki Bertens became the first Dutch woman to win the women's singles title.

20. The tournament has been held at three different locations: Avondale Athletic Club, Cincinnati Tennis Club, and its current home, the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

Behind the Scenes

A lot goes on behind the scenes to ensure the Cincinnati Open runs smoothly. Here are some lesser-known facts about the tournament's operations.

21. The tournament relies on over 1,300 volunteers each year to help with various tasks.

22. The ball kids undergo rigorous training to ensure they perform their duties efficiently during matches.

23. The Lindner Family Tennis Center has a state-of-the-art fitness center for players to use during the tournament.

24. The tournament offers a variety of food options, including local Cincinnati favorites like Skyline Chili and Graeter's Ice Cream.

25. The Cincinnati Open has a dedicated team of groundskeepers who work tirelessly to maintain the courts in top condition.

The Impact of the Cincinnati Open

The Cincinnati Open has had a significant impact on the local community and the world of tennis. Here are some ways the tournament has made a difference.

26. The tournament generates millions of dollars in economic impact for the Greater Cincinnati area each year.

27. The Western & Southern Open has raised millions of dollars for local charities over the years.

28. The tournament has helped to promote tennis in the region, inspiring many young players to take up the sport.

29. The Cincinnati Open has been a stepping stone for many players who have gone on to achieve great success in their careers.

30. The event has a strong social media presence, engaging fans from around the world with live updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Let's wrap up with some fun and quirky facts about the Cincinnati Open that you might not know.

31. The tournament has its own mascot, Ace, who entertains fans throughout the event.

32. The Cincinnati Open is one of the few tournaments where fans can watch players practice up close.

33. The event has a "Kids Day" where young fans can participate in various tennis activities and meet their favorite players.

34. The tournament has a tradition of playing the song "Cincinnati, Ohio" by Connie Smith during the trophy presentation.

35. The Cincinnati Open has a Hall of Fame that honors past champions and notable contributors to the tournament.

36. The event has a dedicated "Fan Zone" with interactive games, autograph sessions, and other activities.

37. The tournament offers a variety of ticket options, including single-session, multi-session, and full-series packages.

38. The Cincinnati Open has a strong partnership with local schools, offering educational programs and opportunities for students to attend the tournament.

39. The event has a "Green Team" that promotes recycling and other eco-friendly practices among fans.

40. The tournament has a mobile app that provides live scores, schedules, and other important information for fans.

The Future of the Cincinnati Open

As the Cincinnati Open continues to grow and evolve, here are some exciting developments to look forward to in the coming years.

41. The Lindner Family Tennis Center is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to enhance the fan experience.

42. The tournament is exploring new ways to incorporate technology, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, to engage fans.

43. The Cincinnati Open is committed to increasing its global reach, attracting more international players and fans.

44. The event is working to expand its community outreach programs, providing more opportunities for local residents to get involved.

45. The tournament is focused on promoting diversity and inclusion, both on and off the court.

Memorable Moments

The Cincinnati Open has had its share of unforgettable moments. Here are some highlights that have left a lasting impression on fans.

46. In 2009, Kim Clijsters won the women's singles title in her first tournament back after a two-year hiatus.

47. In 2012, Li Na became the first Chinese player to win the women's singles title at the Cincinnati Open.

48. In 2016, Marin Cilic won his first ATP Masters 1000 title by defeating Andy Murray in the final.

49. In 2019, Daniil Medvedev won his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the Cincinnati Open, marking the beginning of his rise to the top of the tennis world.

50. In 2021, Ashleigh Barty won the women's singles title, solidifying her status as the world's top-ranked player.

Cincinnati Open: A Tennis Lover's Paradise

The Cincinnati Open, also known as the Western & Southern Open, is a must-see for tennis fans. This tournament has a rich history, dating back to 1899, making it one of the oldest in the world. It’s not just about the matches; the event offers a unique blend of top-tier tennis, fan experiences, and a chance to see the sport's biggest stars up close.

Held in Mason, Ohio, the Cincinnati Open is a key stop on the ATP and WTA tours. Players like Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and Novak Djokovic have all graced its courts. The tournament's hard courts are known for their speed, adding an extra layer of excitement to each match.

Whether you're a die-hard tennis fan or just looking for a fun summer event, the Cincinnati Open delivers. It’s a celebration of tennis that shouldn’t be missed.