As the tennis elite descended on the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, for the 2025 Cincinnati Open, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and No. 2 Coco Gauff found themselves awestruck by the dramatic overhaul of the storied tournament. A $260 million investment has transformed the venue into a state-of-the-art tennis haven, doubling its campus size to over 40 acres and redefining the player and fan experience. The top-seeded defending champions, fresh off their respective Wimbledon and French Open triumphs, voiced their amazement at the upgrades, which have elevated the Cincinnati Open to a level rivaling the sport’s grandest stages. Their reactions, shared during pre-tournament press conferences, set the tone for a thrilling two-week event that promises to blend world-class competition with unparalleled amenities.
Sinner, the 23-year-old Italian who clinched the 2024 Cincinnati title and went on to win the US Open, returned to Mason after skipping the Canadian Open to focus on recovery. “It’s amazing. I was talking with all the players, and it’s actually very strange for us to come to a venue where everything is new,” he said, marveling at the revamped facilities. The transformation, which began the morning after last year’s final, includes expanded player lounges, a sprawling dining area, and upgraded practice courts. “Everything has improved so, so much. But mostly the space we have for us players,” Sinner noted, highlighting the hotel-like arrival experience and outdoor amenities that create a seamless environment for athletes. “I feel very happy and honored to have this revolution because it’s something great for us and our sport.”
Gauff, the 2023 Cincinnati champion, echoed Sinner’s enthusiasm, describing the changes as “insane” and a game-changer for the tournament’s atmosphere. The 21-year-old American, coming off a fourth-round loss to Victoria Mboko at the Canadian Open, was particularly impressed by the fan-friendly upgrades, including enhanced seating and interactive zones that make the event feel like a “tennis amusement park.” “It’s crazy how much they’ve done in just one year,” she said, noting the larger dining areas and modernized infrastructure. Despite recent struggles with double faults, Gauff is eager to leverage the new court conditions, which players have noted are slightly slower than in previous years, potentially suiting her aggressive baseline game.
The Cincinnati Open’s transformation, completed in just 328 days, reflects a bold vision to elevate its status among ATP and WTA Masters 1000 events. Tournament director Bob Moran and COO Jansen Dell oversaw the removal of outdated setups immediately after the 2024 finals, replacing them with cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance player preparation and fan engagement. The expanded campus now boasts a sleek, blue-on-blue aesthetic, with improved sightlines for spectators and a layout that rivals Shanghai’s grandeur. Sinner, who faces either Vit Kopriva or a qualifier in his opening match, sees the upgrades as a boost for his title defense. “It’s really, really nice,” he said, emphasizing the comfort that could help him navigate a tough draw featuring potential clashes with Gabriel Diallo or Tommy Paul.
Gauff, seeded second, begins her campaign against Wang Xinyu or Emilia Arango, with a possible third-round matchup against Dayana Yastremska, who defeated her at Wimbledon. Her path could lead to a blockbuster semi-final against top seed Aryna Sabalenka, the 2024 champion, or No. 3 Iga Swiatek. The tournament’s star-studded field, including Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Venus Williams, who received a wildcard, adds to the excitement. However, the absence of Novak Djokovic, who withdrew for non-medical reasons, opens opportunities for players like Sinner and fifth-seeded Ben Shelton, fresh off his Canadian Open triumph.
The tight scheduling, with the Canadian Open overlapping Cincinnati’s start, has drawn scrutiny, but the upgraded facilities have softened the blow for players. “It’s a lot, but when you see a place like this, it motivates you,” Gauff remarked, her focus shifting to the US Open, where she aims to reclaim her 2023 title. Sinner, too, is eyeing New York, where he holds three of the four Grand Slam titles. The Cincinnati Open’s transformation has not only stunned its top stars but also positioned it as a critical proving ground for the season’s final major, blending innovation with the raw intensity of elite tennis.
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