Interesting Cincinnati Open Facts You Need to Know (2025)
The Cincinnati Open, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the professional tennis calendar, is a beloved event with a rich and fascinating history that stretches back over a century. Known for its world-class competition and passionate fan base, this tournament has established itself as a cornerstone of American tennis. From its humble beginnings to its modern-day status as a combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event, the Cincinnati Open is full of interesting facts that highlight its unique place in the sport.
The Oldest Tournament in Its Original City
One of the most remarkable facts about the Cincinnati Open is its longevity. Founded in 1899, it holds the distinction of being the longest-running professional tennis tournament in the United States that is still played in its original city. To put this into perspective, the tournament predates many other major sporting events, including the first World Series in baseball, the first Indy 500, and even the Rose Bowl. For more than 120 years, the best players in the world have gathered in Cincinnati to compete for the title. While the event has moved to several different locations within the Cincinnati area over the years, it has always remained a fixture in the Queen City.
The tournament was originally known as the Cincinnati Open and was held at the Avondale Athletic Club, a site that is now part of Xavier University. It later took on the name “Tri-State Tennis Tournament” and underwent several other name changes, including the Western & Southern Open for many years. However, in a nod to its historic past, the tournament has since returned to its original and enduring name, the Cincinnati Open.
A Campus Transformed: The Lindner Family Tennis Center
Since 1979, the tournament has called the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, its home. This venue has been the site of countless memorable matches and has grown significantly over the decades. In a recent and ambitious development, a massive $260 million investment has been made to transform the campus, doubling its acreage and enhancing the experience for both players and fans. The renovations include new practice courts, a new sunken stadium, and a state-of-the-art players’ retreat called “The Clubhouse.” This expansion, secured through a partnership with the City of Mason, Warren County, and the State of Ohio, ensures the tournament’s future in the region for years to come. The new facilities now feature 31 courts, a significant increase from the previous 17.
A History of Champions and Records
The list of champions at the Cincinnati Open reads like a “who’s who” of tennis royalty. Legends such as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, and Michael Chang have all hoisted the trophy. Roger Federer holds the record for the most men’s singles titles with seven. On the women’s side, Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, and Simona Halep are among the many notable champions.
The tournament has also been the site of some truly historic moments. In 2023, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz played an epic final that lasted nearly four hours. At three hours and 49 minutes, it was the longest best-of-three-sets ATP Tour final in history, a testament to the high level of competition the tournament consistently delivers. The tournament also boasts a record for the lowest-ranked champion, with Borna Coric winning the title in 2022 while ranked No. 152 in the world. This surprising victory demonstrated the unpredictable and exciting nature of the event.
More Than Just a Tournament: A Force for Good
Beyond the thrilling tennis, the Cincinnati Open has a long-standing commitment to giving back to the community. Since 1974, the tournament has used tennis as a force for good, donating millions of dollars to local beneficiaries. Its charitable efforts have primarily supported Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the UC Health Cancer Center, and Tennis for City Youth, a program dedicated to providing affordable tennis opportunities to children in Greater Cincinnati. This philanthropic legacy is a core part of the tournament’s identity, with over $12 million contributed to these important causes over the past decades.
A Grand Slam Warm-Up with Stand-Alone Status
The Cincinnati Open is strategically scheduled just before the US Open, making it a crucial “warm-up” event for players preparing for the final Grand Slam of the year. However, it is far from just a practice run. The tournament has evolved into a mega-event in its own right, comparable in stature to Indian Wells. With its recent campus expansion and a growing list of amenities, the Cincinnati Open is establishing a unique identity as a destination event that combines world-class tennis with an intimate, fan-friendly atmosphere. Its standing as one of the nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments and one of the most important WTA 1000 events solidifies its status as a must-see for tennis fans around the globe.
