•Over volunteers supporting the event
•An established fan base double the size of the Super Bowl
•Broadcasted in over global markets
•Over million international viewers
•Visitors from over states and countries
• th most watched sport in the world by the number of fans
The story of tennis in Cincinnati is one that is ever evolving and has been captivating fans for the last 125 years. Since 1899, the Cincinnati Open has been a local staple, attracting top tennis players from around the globe. Fans from all 50 states and 40 countries travel here to experience the unparalleled access to players, authentic Midwestern hospitality, and the unique opportunity to see the world’s best men’s and women’s tennis talent in one place.
Over the years, the names, the game, and the experience have changed. But one thing remains the same: they all still come to Cincinnati. The 2024 Cincinnati Open marks the start of a new era for the elevating the on-site experience with new practice courts, a shaded Fan Zone with around the clock entertainment, brand new seats at Center Court and Grandstand, a remodeled Top Deck, a reimagined shopping experience and new food and drink options. Plus, to celebrate our 125th anniversary, tennis greats from over the years will be on hand for special appearances throughout the week.
We’re introducing Community Day on Saturday, August 10, with tickets starting at just $10 and proceeds benefiting local charities. This day will be headlined by a special exhibition doubles match featuring tennis legends Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Andy Roddick, and Lindsay Davenport, and will feature yoga in the Fan Zone, a workout at Center Court, cardio tennis on the practice courts, a Taste the Tournament experience, the 2024 draw announcement, live music and more.
None of this year’s excitement would be possible without the support of our cornerstone partners—Western & Southern Financial Group, Credit One Bank, Great American Insurance, Procter & Gamble, Fift h Third, and Kroger—and our partners from the City of Mason, Warren County, and State of Ohio. Together, these partners played a pivotal role in ensuring the tournament will remain in Cincinnati and are contributing to the growth of the tournament as it is further established as a world-class event and destination.
We also extend our gratitude to our incredible team of 1,300plus volunteers whose dedication is unparalleled. Last year, our volunteers put in nearly 65,000 hours of service to ensure the event’s success.
The 2024 Cincinnati Open is shaping up to be among the best in our tournament’s history. We can’t wait for you to join us to experience the excitement firsthand.
Sincerely,
Bob Moran President Beemok Sports & Entertainment
The Cincinnati Open is all about unparalleled experiences, both on and off thecourt. This year, the tournament is upping the game in terms of the on-site experience, bringing even more opportunities for fun and memory-making for all fans. Here’s a look at what to expect at the 2024 Cincinnati Open.
Community Day at the Cincinnati Open
Get the first look at the 2024 tournament before matches even begin at the brand-new Community Day event on Saturday, August 10. Tickets start at $10 and proceeds will benefit Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, along with several other events and opportunities throughout the day to support local charities. Catch tennis legends Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Andy Roddick, and Lindsay Davenport in a can’t-miss exhibition match at Center Court, see the world’s top tennis talent on practice courts throughout the grounds, enjoy hours of live entertainment, and take a taste of the various food and drink offerings on site.
Total Seating Transformation
Say goodbye to bleachers and hello to top-of-the-line stadium seats at Center Court. Every single seat within the tournament’s largest stadium has been replaced,
bringing unmatched comfort and an undeniable upgrade for all spectators. Plus, P&G Grandstand Court— the second largest on site—will feature new seats as well.
New Bites and Beverages
Want to experience a premium escape at the tournament? Look no further than The Oasis, presented by Veroni, a new club space located at the Top Deck in the heart of the tournament site. This open-air, private lounge is available for ticketholders in sections 209-211 and will feature a curated Italian-style menu and specialty cocktails. All tournament fans can enjoy a variety of new drinking and dining options throughout the site, including local favorites like Taste of Belgium, Alfio’s Buon Cibo, and Playa Bowls along with wines from La Crema and a special Cincinnati Open collaboration beer with Sonder Brewing.
We’re Talking About Practice
A hallmark of the Cincinnati Open is the intimacy of the venue and access and proximity to the greatest tennis players in the world. With the addition of four new Prasco Practice Courts, taking the total number of courts on site to 21, fans will have even more opportunities to get up
Off-Court
A stacked lineup of live music, DJs, special guest appearances, chef demonstrations, and opportunities to sample food and drinks are just some of what guests can look forward to at the Kroger Stage in the Fan Zone. Try your hand at tennis-themed challenges on the mini courts or Speed Serve, take a Selfie with the Stars, presented by Credit One Bank, or check out the revamped merchandise tent for new Cincinnati Open swag, including exclusive 125th anniversary gear and official tournament apparel through FILA.
Extend your summer weekend by taking a day off on Monday, August 19, to catch the final matches at the Cincinnati Open. The Monday Finals, presented by Credit One Bank, are an opportunity to dress your best, sip some champagne, snap a photo with the newly designed Rookwood Cup trophy, rub elbows with the who’s who of the tournament, and watch the nail-biting action of the championship matches.
With the updated app, an e-newsletter, and site-wide WiFi, fans won’t miss a minute of the action.
Are you the type of fan that wants to be in the know? And by “in the know” we mean being the first to have ticket information, special offers, tournament updates, and the inside scoop? Go to cincinnatiopen.com/ newsletter-sign-up to become a Cincinnati Open insider. No junk, no spam. Just the most important tournament info sent in a timely manner.
The best way to stay in the loop during the tournament is by downloading the official Cincinnati Open mobile app (search “Cincinnati Open” in your phone s app store). Get real-time updates on major matches, on-site entertainment, and tournament news. Plus, easily access your digital tickets and the daily order of play all in just a few taps.
The Cincinnati Open is among the best of the world-class tennis events. Hereˇs a look at the others on the same level. AIESHA D. LITTLE
• Founded in 2002
• Played on clay courts at the Caja Mágica in Madrid, Spain
• An ATP Masters 1000 event
• A WTA 1000 event
• More than 325,000 spectators in 2023
• Number of days: 12
• Founded in 1930
• Played on clay courts at the Foro Italico in Rome, Italy
• An ATP Masters 1000 event
• A WTA 1000 event
• More than 440,000 spectators in 2023
• Number of days: 14
• Founded in 1985
• Played on outdoor hard courts at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
• An ATP Masters 1000 event
• A WTA 1000 event
• More than 386,000 spectators in 2023
• Number of days: 12
• Founded in 1974
• Played on outdoor hard courts at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California
• An ATP Masters 1000 event
• A WTA 1000 event
• More than 450,000 spectators in 2023
• Number of days: 15
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New tournament program celebrates those making a diff erence in the community.
MAGGIE BROWN
Nine area residents have been recognized for their community service as the inaugural honorees of 513 Serves, a new initiative from the Cincinnati Open and cornerstone partner Fift h Third to acknowledge individuals who have made a positive impact on the Greater Cincinnati community. Through their time, actions, talents, and examples, these individuals put their community before themselves, going above and beyond the call of duty, to make the “513” a better place for everyone.
The 2024 513 Serves honorees are:
Jordan Bankston (Cheviot)
Marvin Butt s (Pendleton)
Laura Del Cid (Madeira)
Allison Gordon (Blue Ash)
Elizabeth Kelly (Downtown)
Annie Ruth Napier (Roselawn)
Charvi Seeta (Mason)
Marcus Thompson (Anderson)
Kenneth Webb (Mason)
The honorees were selected from 118 nominations, each recognizing individuals who have made an impact on the Cincinnati community through their service in the areas of education, children, sports, wellness, or financial literacy.
“Our inaugural 513 Serves honorees epitomize the vibrant spirit and unwavering sense of community that define the Cincinnati region,” says Maggie Brown, marketing
and community relations manager for the Cincinnati Open. “It’s a privilege to recognize their outstanding contributions and their relentless dedication to serving others. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all nominees for their commitment to putting community first, inspiring us to strive for the greater collective good.”
The first class of 513 Serves honorees—ranging from a Girl Scout to a doctor—have collectively impacted thousands in the Greater Cincinnati community, from Covington to Mason. Their work spans the city and its suburbs, and represents many causes, from providing hygiene products and meals to families to raising money for cancer patients to improving the area’s parks and beautifying its neighborhoods.
“It came as no surprise to see so many inspiring accounts of people in our community doing so much to help one another,” says Tim Elsbrock, Fifth Third’s Cincinnati region president. “The sense of local pride and the willingness to get involved to make a difference are what set this city apart, and that spirit makes us very proud to call Cincinnati home.”
Each honoree gets to select a charity of their choosing to receive a $5,300 donation as part of being recognized through 513 Serves. In addition, one honoree will be celebrated on each of the nine days of the Cincinnati Open and enjoy a VIP tournament experience, including courtside seats,
an exclusive, behind-the-scenes facility tour, and more. They will be recognized on court during their visit and their chosen charity will be promoted within the stadium and on social platforms to encourage further donations.
Nominations for the next class of 513 Serves honorees will open in the months following the 2024 Cincinnati Open. To learn more about 513 Serves, the inaugural honorees and their chosen charities, visit www.cincinnatiopen.com/community/513serves.
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Myrtle McAteer of Pittsburgh beats multiple national singles champion and future Hall of Famer Juliette Atkinson to take the first women’s singles title while Nat Emerson, a nationally ranked player who won important titles into his 40s, wins the first men’s singles title.
BILL TILDEN CHOOSES CINCINNATI IN A SURPRISE
Bill Tilden is one of the biggest names in all of sports when he arrives in Cincinnati to play the tournament, and he commits to the tournament at the last moment to the surprise of Cincinnati tournament officials. He reaches the men’s singles final and defeats George Lott, the first match in Cincinnati men’s singles history between two future International Tennis Hall of Famers.
MAY SUTTON CHOOSES CINCINNATI OVER U.S. NATIONALS
When May Sutton of California makes her first appearance in Cincinnati, the crowds rival those anyone has ever seen for a men’s or women’s match. The choice to play here instead of defending her U.S. National title in Newport is stamp of approval for the tournament.
Thank you, to our community, for your continued support of mental health.
TRABERT BEATS TALBERT
Tony Trabert learns the game of tennis as the protégé of fellow Cincinnatian William Talbert. When Trabert and Talbert square off in the men’s singles final, Talbert earns his first victory over his mentor.
SARAH PALFREY COOKE REACHES MEN’S DOUBLES FINAL
World War II makes fielding the men’s draws difficult and, as a result, future International Tennis Hall of Famer Sarah Palfrey Cooke asks to enter the men’s doubles draw with her husband, Elwood Cooke. There’s no rule against it so Tournament Director Bill Ruxton allows Palfrey Cooke to proceed. She is the only woman in the history of the tournament to compete in a men’s draw.
We’ll continue to light the way.
Lindner Center of HOPE: A Proven Leader is expanding to serve you better.
Illustrated rendering of the Lindner Center of HOPE expansion.
Treatment access and reducing stigma are key factors in improving the community’s mental health.
Our expansion plans which were announced May 2022 include:
• 8 more residential beds
• New parking and multi-use treatment space
• 4-story outpatient building with treatment, group, and wellness spaces
We’re committed to maintaining our natural, safe setting.
For fans of the sport, these important games have all contributed to the status of the Cincinnati Open as a place where top-notch tennis players make their mark. PHIL SMITH
Chris Evert and her sister Jeanne reach the semifinals on opposite sides of the draw. Chris, a future Hall of Famer, wins her match against Illana Kloss, while Jeanne, making her professional debut that week, loses to another future Hall of Famer, Evonne Goolagong. Goolagong collects the title against Chris Evert the following day, and Evert becomes the youngest Cincinnati women’s singles finalist in the Open Era. That Goolagong-Evert final also is the last women’s singles match in Cincinnati for 15 years.
Seventeenth ranked Kiki Bertens turns in a performance for the ages when she knocks off six players en route to the singles title, four of whom are ranked in the world’s top 10, a feat unmatched in Cincinnati women’s singles history. Bertens beats Caroline Wozniacki (No. 2) in the round of 32, Elina Svitolina (No. 7) in the quarterfinals, Petra Kvitova (No. 6) in the semifinals, and Simona Halep (No. 1) in the final.
DJOKOVIC AND GAUFF WIN SINGLES TITLES
Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff turn in performances for the record books. Djokovic wins his third title, becoming the oldest Cincinnati men’s singles champion in the Open Era while Gauff wins the biggest WTA title of her career to date and becomes the youngest Cincinnati women’s singles champion in the Open Era.
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At one point in tournament history, George Lott , Bobby Riggs, Mats Wilander, and Roger Federer had each won four men’s singles in Cincinnati. Then Federer blew past the other three, claiming the title three more times, holding the record of seven singles titles (the most of any singles player, male or female) since 2015.
BORNA CORIC BREAKS A 62-YEAR-OLD RECORD
Borna Coric is ranked No. 152 when he enters the Cincinnati men’s singles field due to injuries, but promptly knocks off six players, three of whom are in the world’s top 10 and fi ve of whom are seeded (a Cincinnati Open Era record), to become only the second unseeded men’s champion in Cincinnati history.
The city’s most respected and award-winning magazine, highlighting the region’s most interesting people, cultural issues, food, arts, fashion, and history.
Top ranked players have dominated WTA’s return to Cincinnati. PETE HOLTERMANN
This year marks many milestones for the Cincinnati Open. In addition to 2024 being the 125th year since the event started and 45 years since it moved to Mason, this summer also marks the 20th anniversary of women’s tennis returning to the event and 15 years since it was upgraded to the WTA’s top tier.
From its inception in 1899, women took part in the Cincinnati Open. However, after the WTA was founded in 1973, Cincinnati was not included in the burgeoning tour’s schedule.
In 2004, the long tradition of elite women’s tennis in Cincinnati picked up where it left off three decades earlier. Former World No. 1 Lindsay Davenport took a late wild card that year and came to town having won 14 consecutive matches and three straight titles. She promptly added the Cincinnati crown to those streaks.
Five years later, the Tour elevated Cincinnati to Premier status (now called a 1000), making the tournament one of the most important stops of the WTA season. Quickly many other World No. 1s were joining Davenport in the Cincinnati Open record books.
While that tournament classification speaks to the status and importance of the Cincinnati Open, the results paint the picture of just how challenging it is to hoist the Rookwood Cup. Since the promotion, 12 of the 15 finals have included at least one player who has held the No. 1 ranking, and twice the Cincinnati Open champion has defeated both the world’s No 1 and No. 2 player to claim the title.
In 2013, the Cincinnati Open final featured the WTA’s two best players when Victoria Azarenka, who was No. 2, defeated No. 1 Serena Williams for the title.
Both Azarenka and Williams hold the distinction of having won a pair of Cincinnati Open titles in the last two decades, with Serena successfully defending the title as she went back-to-back in 2014-15. Azarenka added a second title in 2020.
Clearly there are plenty of examples that having been No. 1 gives players the experience to navigate through the Cincinnati Open draw.
However, there are also instances where the Cincinnati Open has been the start of success for a player. Look no further than the last two editions of the tournament. Last year, No. 1 Iga Swiatek and No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals, but neither managed to reach the final. Instead, it was teenager Coco Gauff who claimed the biggest title of her career, only to outdo herself weeks later by winning the US Open.
In 2022, Caroline Garcia became the first qualifi er to win the Cincinnati Open title. She followed that with a run to the US Open semifinals before claiming the title at the season-ending WTA Finals.
With champions ranging from Azarenka to Williams, there’s ample evidence Cincinnati has established itself as the Queen City of women’s tennis.
Site renovations are reimagining Lindner Family Tennis Center for 2024 and beyond.
With a focus on providing world-class fan and player experiences, the major renovation projects at Lindner Family Tennis Center are part of a $260 million investment in the future of the tournament. Reimagined stadiums, park-like landscaping, additional sunken courts, a brand-new player building, and enhanced fan experiences are just the beginning of the incredible campus transformation.
A brand new, 2,000-seat sunken stadium will be added to the campus, making it the fourth largest of the venue’s five permanent stadiums. The additional stadium is one of 10 new courts being added to the site to help facilitate the event’s growth to feature 96-player ATP and WTA singles fields over more days in 2025. In total, the campus will feature 31 courts. To the north of Center Court, a permanent fan plaza shaded by an expansive canopy will provide a gathering spot for spectators with additional landscaping to create more greenspace.
A new, 56,000-square-foot, two-story player center will be among the most significant additions to the site. The facility will include lounge and restaurant space for the tournament’s players and their support teams, wellness and recovery rooms for the players, and locker rooms for coaches.
Other work planned for the campus includes a new, six-court indoor facility and the creation of six pickleball and two paddle courts on the grounds. Additional parking will be added to the north of the campus and multiple new access points to the parking areas will be created in the coming years.
