ATP Masters 1000 | Cincinnati Open: Honoring a Storied Past, Shaping Tennis’s Future

As one of the sport’s most enduring tournaments, the Cincinnati Open occupies a special place in tennis history. Launched in 1899, it predates iconic events like the World Series and the Indianapolis 500, and remains the oldest tennis tournament in the U.S. still held in its original location. Now, more than 125 years later, the event is undergoing its most transformative evolution yet—in both scope and infrastructure—ushering in a new era for the tournament and for professional tennis worldwide.

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A Rich Historical Legacy

The tournament began on clay courts at the Avondale Athletic Club before relocating to the Cincinnati Tennis Club in 1903, where it remained for nearly seven decades. In 1979, it found a permanent home at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, and transitioned to hard courts. This progression reflects its growing significance over time.

Initially hosting occasional women’s matches, the event became a unified ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 competition in 2011. In 2024, it reclaimed its original identity by dropping the “Western & Southern Open” name, returning to its historic roots as the Cincinnati Open.

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Major Growth Planned for 2025

Set to run from August 5–18, 2025, the Cincinnati Open is expanding to a two-week format, aligning with other major tournaments like Indian Wells and Miami. The singles draws for both men and women will increase from 56 to 96 players, offering more opportunities for emerging talent and fans alike.

Qualifiers will take place on August 5–6, with main draw play kicking off August 7. Top-seeded players will join the action by August 9 or 10. The women’s doubles will begin August 7, followed by the men’s on August 11. Doubles finals are scheduled for August 17, and the singles champions will be crowned on August 18.

This growth is supported by a $260 million upgrade to the tournament grounds, doubling the venue’s size and introducing new amenities such as a six-court indoor facility, pickleball and padel courts, and a 55,000-square-foot clubhouse—raising the bar for non-Grand Slam events.

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A Fan- and Player-Centered Venue

The Lindner Family Tennis Center already boasts four permanent stadiums, including an 11,400-seat Center Court and a 5,000-seat Grandstand—features uncommon outside the Grand Slams. This layout enhances both crowd capacity and viewing quality.

The 2025 renovations aim to further enrich the spectator experience. A new central pavilion with shaded seating and large screens will anchor the grounds, while the Fan Lawn will host live entertainment and games. Improved visibility into practice sessions will increase opportunities for fan-player interaction. The tournament’s close-knit layout, where fans often see players walking between matches, will remain an essential part of the experience even as the venue expands.

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Community Commitment Through Charitable Giving

Beyond its impact on the court, the Cincinnati Open has long served the local community. Since 1974, it has donated over $12 million to area causes—including more than $9 million to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and $1.5 million to UC Health Cancer Center. An additional $1 million+ has supported youth tennis initiatives in underserved neighborhoods.

As a nonprofit-led event, the tournament channels all net proceeds back into the region—making it both a premier sports experience and a force for good.

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Champions and Milestones

In 2024, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka claimed the singles titles, while doubles crowns went to Marcelo Arévalo/Mate Pavić and Asia Muhammad/Erin Routliffe. The tournament has long been a career highlight for legends of the game—Roger Federer holds a record seven titles, while Novak Djokovic achieved the rare “Golden Masters” here in 2018.

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A Blueprint for Modern Tournaments

The Cincinnati Open demonstrates how tradition and innovation can thrive side by side. With deep historical roots and forward-thinking developments, it’s evolving into a model for what Masters-level events can be—fan-focused, financially sustainable, and socially responsible.

While challenges like player burnout, gender equality, and global competition remain, the tournament continues to set a high standard. As the third-largest tennis event in the U.S., trailing only the US Open and Indian Wells, Cincinnati is leading the way in reimagining what a tennis tournament can achieve.

The 2025 edition promises not just electrifying matches, but a unique chance to experience the future of tennis firsthand. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the sport, this summer’s Cincinnati Open is one event you won’t want to miss.