ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati Open History: Rich Legacy of America’s Oldest Tennis Tournament
Founded in 1899, the Cincinnati Open History 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.
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Cincinnati Open History: 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
A pivotal year came in 1979 when the tournament relocated to Mason’s Lindner Family Tennis Center. Installed with DecoTurf hard courts, this move firmly transitioned the event away from clay and into the modern hard-court era. Center Court was built in 1981, followed by Grandstand (1995) and Court 3 and 9 by 2010, making Cincinnati unique outside the Grand Slams with four stadium courts.
Growth, Global Presence, and Today’s Prominence
Now categorized as both an ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event, the tournament draws over 200,000 fans live and reaches more than 126 million viewers across 192 countries. It has become America’s third-largest tennis event after the US Open and Indian Wells . Legends like Roger Federer—who has amassed seven Cincinnati titles—and Novak Djokovic solidified their legacies here.
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.