ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati Open History: Rich Legacy of America’s Oldest Tennis Tournament

The History of Cincinnati Open

Founded in 1899, the Cincinnati Open holds the distinction of being the oldest professional tennis tournament in the United States still played in its original city. Even before storied events like the Rose Bowl (1902), the Masters (1934), and the Indianapolis 500 (1911), Cincinnati’s courts were hosting top-tier tennis.

Early Origins and Tri-State Era

The first matches took place at the Avondale Athletic Club (now Xavier University) on September 18, 1899, played on crushed brick-dust clay. In 1901, the tournament was rebranded the Tri-State Tennis Tournament, a name it retained through 1969. By 1903, leadership moved the event to the venerable Cincinnati Tennis Club, which hosted the tournament for nearly seven decades.

Mid-Century Challenges and Rebirth

The 1970s brought a turbulent period: the draw diminished, and in 1974, the tournament nearly disappeared from the calendar and was held indoors at the Cincinnati Convention Center, not featuring women’s competition for the first time since 1919. The following year brought new hope—Jacked by the leadership of Paul M. Flory, it moved to Ohio’s Coney Island amusement park, where proceeds began supporting Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and local causes.

The Mason Era: A Rising Power

The Cincinnati Open made tournament history in 1979 with its relocation to the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason—a pivotal move that marked the beginning of a new era. Transitioning to DecoTurf hard courts, the event left behind its clay roots and embraced the modern hard-court identity. This evolution in surface and setting wrote a bold chapter in tennis history, as new stadiums rose: Center Court in 1981, the Grandstand in 1995, and Courts 3 and 9 by 2010. These upgrades cemented the Cincinnati Open’s place in history as the only tournament outside the Grand Slams with four permanent stadium courts.

Growth, Global Presence, and Today’s Prominence

Rooted in over a century of tennis excellence, the Cincinnati Open has made history as one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. Now classified as both an ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event, it attracts more than 200,000 live spectators and reaches over 126 million viewers across 192 countries each year. As the third-largest tennis event in the United States—following the US Open and Indian Wells—the tournament continues to be a global stage where tennis history is written. Legends like Roger Federer, with a record seven titles, and Novak Djokovic have added unforgettable chapters to its storied legacy.

Recent Investments and the Road to 2025

In 2023, ownership under Beemok Capital committed to keeping the event in Mason and investing heavily in its future. Plans include a $260 million renovation of the Lindner Family Tennis Center, featuring a sunken stadium, indoor courts, a player center, upgraded seating, modern facades, enhanced landscaping, and new amenities—including pickleball and padel facilities.

In celebration of its 125th anniversary in 2024, the event reverted to its original name: the Cincinnati Open. Starting in 2025, the tournament expands to 14 days, and both the men’s and women’s singles draws grow from 56 to 96 players, featuring 24 sessions—offering fans more access and excitement.

---

2025: A Historic Celebration Awaits

The 2025 Cincinnati Open (August 5–18, 2025) promises to be a landmark event. Here’s why you can’t miss it:

• A storied legacy spanning over 125 years in the same city
• Modernized facilities enhanced by a $260 million transformation
• Expanded tournament format with more matches, sessions, and fan interaction
• Deep-rooted community impact, including philanthropic efforts supporting charities

---

Join the Next Chapter

Experience tennis history in the making. Be there for the 2025 Cincinnati Open—with its rich heritage, upgraded venue, and top global athletes, it’s set to be tennis at its finest. Secure your spot now and become part of Cincinnati’s ongoing legacy.