As the tennis world converges on the Lindner Family Tennis Center for the 2025 Cincinnati Open, Daniil Medvedev, the former World No. 1 and 2019 champion, has taken a moment to applaud the tournament organizers for their exceptional efforts in transforming the event into a standout on the ATP Tour. The Russian star, known for his candid insights and sharp wit, praised the significant upgrades to the facilities, a feat he claims other Masters 1000 tournaments rarely undertake with such dedication. With a $260 million investment fueling a dramatic overhaul, the Cincinnati Open has emerged as a beacon of innovation, earning accolades from players like Medvedev as he prepares for a crucial run ahead of the US Open.
The Cincinnati Open, long cherished as a key stop on the North American hard-court swing, has undergone a remarkable transformation for 2025. Organizers have revamped the venue, introducing state-of-the-art player amenities, upgraded practice courts, and enhanced spectator experiences. Medvedev, who arrived in Ohio as the No. 12 seed after a challenging season, was quick to highlight the improvements. “I’ve always liked this tournament, even though it was a bit smaller, older, and so on. Now it’s even better. Great facilities, great conditions for players,” he said during a press conference. “It’s a great tournament, nothing bad to say, only good things.” His enthusiasm reflects a sentiment shared by many players, who have noted the tournament’s renewed vibrancy, positioning it as a rival to the grandeur of events like Shanghai.
Medvedev’s praise comes with a nod to the organizers’ commitment to details often overlooked elsewhere. “So, when the tournament makes an effort, it’s always appreciated,” he remarked, emphasizing the care taken to ensure player comfort and optimal playing conditions. The revamped courts, slightly slower this year compared to the lightning-fast surfaces of previous editions, have also caught his attention. “This year, they’re a bit slower than they were before, it seems. Maybe a little slower than Toronto,” he noted, adding that the practice courts are “very nice.” For a player who thrives on hard courts, with six of his 20 ATP titles won at Masters 1000 events, including Cincinnati in 2019, these upgrades are more than cosmetic—they’re a game-changer.
The 29-year-old’s history with Cincinnati adds weight to his comments. His 2019 triumph, where he defeated David Goffin 7-6(3), 6-4 in the final, marked his first Masters 1000 title and propelled him to a career-high No. 5 ranking. That victory, part of a stellar North American swing where he reached four finals, remains a career highlight. “It was my first Masters 1000 win, so always special memories here,” Medvedev said, reflecting on the tournament’s significance. However, his 2025 season has been less kind, with early exits in Montreal and Cincinnati last year and a slide to No. 14 in the rankings. His third-round loss to Alexei Popyrin at the 2025 Canadian Open, where he left his tennis bag courtside in frustration, underscored a rough patch. Yet, Medvedev’s optimism in Cincinnati signals a renewed focus as he faces either Adam Walton or Mariano Navone in the second round.
The tournament’s upgrades have sparked broader discussions, with some likening Cincinnati to a “fifth Grand Slam” due to its scale and ambition. Medvedev acknowledged the comparison, noting, “It’s very similar to Shanghai; Shanghai is also very big, and it really feels like that.” While his past in Cincinnati hasn’t been without drama—his 2021 collision with an on-court camera during a semi-final loss to Andrey Rublev led to a heated outburst and a medical timeout—Medvedev’s current tone is one of appreciation. The absence of top players like Novak Djokovic, who withdrew on August 4, 2025, citing fitness concerns, opens opportunities for Medvedev to rediscover the form that saw him upset World No. 1 Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon earlier this year.
As the US Open looms, Medvedev’s endorsement of Cincinnati’s efforts highlights the tournament’s role as a critical proving ground. With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and rising stars like Ben Shelton in the field, the competition is fierce, but the improved facilities have set a high standard. For Medvedev, who has reached the finals of the 2023 US Open and 2024 Australian Open, Cincinnati represents a chance to rebuild momentum. His praise for the organizers not only celebrates their vision but also underscores the tournament’s growing stature, making it a must-watch event in the lead-up to Flushing Meadows.
Leave a Reply