Good As Gold
From Paris to Cincinnati.
Community Day, Saturday, Aug. 10
Tournament: Sunday, Aug. 11 – Monday, Aug. 19.
Lindner Family Tennis Center
5460 Courseview Drive, Mason
Learn more, buy tickets and check out what’s
new at cincinnatiopen.com.
The world’s best tennis players might have just served for gold at Roland Garros, but this week, they’re headed to the Lindner Family Tennis Center for the 123rd Cincinnati Open, formerly the Western & Southern Open. Tournament play for both men and women begins with qualifying Sunday, Aug. 11 and runs through Monday, Aug. 19. You read that right – the men’s and women’s finals and the men’s doubles finals will be on Monday this year.
The Cincinnati Open has long been a player favorite, with a rabid and knowledgeable local fan base and a world-class stadium and amenities. This year, along with the new name, come a couple of new opportunities in Mason.
The tournament’s inaugural Community Day on Saturday, Aug. 10 features an exhibition doubles match starring legends Andre Agassi and John Isner versus Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish, along with appearances by Steffi Graf and Lindsay Davenport. Fans in attendance can also enjoy autograph signings; yoga with Body Alive, HIIT workout with Race Street Athletics, live music cardio tennis and a Taste the Tournament experience. Community Day tickets start at just $10, with proceeds donated to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
Also new this year, the powers-that-be in tennis have changed the rules as to when you can move from your seat. New rules from the ATP and WTA Tours are allowing fans to move from their seats anytime during the first five games of any set, except for areas directly behind the players. No more waiting until changeovers.
Even if you’re not a tennis fan, the Cincinnati Open has some of the greatest people watching in the biz. And that’s not including the player practice sessions, which allow fans to get up close and personal with their favorite players on smaller, more intimate courts.
Many sessions are already sold out, but tournament organizers suggest trying Ticketmaster’s verified ticket resale site.
Another option is to grab any ticket to get you in the door and enjoy the food court, which is as world class as the tennis itself. You can watch Center Court matches on a giant screen while enjoying local delicacies and delicious drinks.
But the real action is on the court, and the Olympic finals this year were a rematch of the finals at the Cincinnati Open in 2023, as Novak Djokovic hoisted the Rookwood Cup. On the women’s side, Olympic flag bearer Coco Gauff will return to defend her title.