Last Updated on August 13, 2023
Tennis aficionados know that the Western and Southern Open is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. The event, which takes place annually in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a Masters 1000 tournament on the ATP World Tour and a Premier 5 tournament on the WTA Tour. But how many courts does this massive event actually have? Keep reading to find out!
Cincinnati Open History
The tennis championships were first held in Cincinnati in 1899. Men and women competed on the courts. At first, the event was called the Cincinnati Open. In 1901, the organizers decided to change the name to the Three States Tennis Tournament.
The organizers of the Cincinnati tournament never changed the city where the competition was held. True, the tournament was hosted by several complexes. First, players found out the best at the Avondale Athletic Club, and since 1903, at the Cincinnati Tennis Club. Competitions were held at this facility until the 1978 season, with few exceptions. Since 1979, ATP Cincinnati changed its surface from clay to hard court and moved to another home base, the Lindner Family Tennis Center, where it is still located today.
In the 1970s, there was a serious threat of removing the competition from the calendar. Thus, in 1974, only at the last moment organizers were able to give financial guarantees to hold the event. However, since 1975, the tournament breathed new life into it. Since that season, Paul Flory, CEO of Procter & Gamble, became the director of the Cincinnati ATP. He has left a significant mark on local tennis history:
- One of his efforts was the Tennis for Urban Youth program, which helped make a name for itself for children whose parents couldn’t afford the high cost of playing the sport.
- As a philanthropist, Paul Florey was active in helping the Children’s Medical Center, particularly the Oncology Department.
Through Flory’s activities, the local championship grew in the eyes of the people of Cincinnati. The philanthropist worked for the tournament until his death in 2013, when he was 90 years old. Most recently, Flory served as chairman of the board of the Cincinnati Masters. He received several significant prizes for his work. For example, Paul was awarded the ATP Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award and inducted into the USTA Hall of Fame.
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Western and Southern Open Courts
The WTA Western & Southern Open is one of the most popular tennis tournaments in the world. Every year, thousands of fans descend on the Lindner Family Tennis Center to watch the action. The center has four permanent stadiums, each with a different capacity. Center Court is the largest stadium, with a capacity of 11,435. Grandstand Court is the second largest stadium, with a capacity of 5,000. Courts #3 and #9 are smaller stadiums, with capacities of 3,500 and 2,500 respectively. In addition, there are 16 courts in total at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, with up to eight of them being used for tournament play depending on the day and the schedule. With so many world-class tennis players competing for the title, the Western & Southern Open is always an exciting event to watch.
FAQ:
Where is the Cincinnati Open being played?
The Cincinnati Open is held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
When is the Cincinnati Open being played?
The tournament is usually held in August. In 2023, the tournament will be held from August 13 to 20 in Cincinnati.
What surface is the Cincinnati Open played on?
Since 1979, the tournament has been played on hard courts. Before that, it was played on clay courts.
What can you bring to the Western and Southern Open?
Each ticket holder is allowed one bag and one personal item. Bags must be 12″ x 18″ x 15″ or smaller (bag must fit on lap or under the seat occupied). One unopened see-through plastic bottle of water up to 33.5 ounces/1 liter. If not see-through, one empty water container up to 33.5 ounces/1 liter. More detail here.
How do I get to the Western and Southern Open?
The best way to get to the tournament is by car. The Lindner Family Tennis Center has plenty of free parking available for visitors. If you are coming from out of town, there are also several hotels located near the tennis center.
Who owns Western and Southern Open?
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is a majority owner of the Western & Southern Open
What do you wear to the Western Southern Open?
Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. It may get rather warm during the mid-day hours. We like to bring our sun hats and sunglasses with us, as well. Because it can be extremely bright, apply sunscreen since it is sunny outside; however, they do provide free sun protection if you forget to bring yours.
