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Cincinnati Open Serves Up 125th Year of World-Class Tennis

Western & Southern Financial Group •
Novak Djokovic with fans
Professional tennis is set to return to Cincinnati this weekend as the world’s top players gather for the start of the Cincinnati Open.

This year marks the event’s 125th year in Greater Cincinnati, making it the nation’s oldest tennis tournament still played in its original city. Last October, the tournament’s owner, Beemok Capital, announced that the event will remain at Mason’s Lindner Family Tennis Center for another 25 years. Beemok had previously explored relocating the tournament before ultimately deciding to keep it in Greater Cincinnati.

“Leaders from across our community – business, political, civic, charitable – came together to help keep this wonderful event and its $80 million annual economic impact here in Greater Cincinnati,” said John Barrett, Western & Southern Financial Group’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “So many people subordinated their personal interests to the common good to effect this outcome.”

Western & Southern Financial Group served as the tournament’s title sponsor from 2002-23, but stepped back from that role this year to allow for wider corporate support. W&S is now one of the event’s six cornerstone partners, joining Credit One Bank, Great American Insurance Group, Procter & Gamble, Fifth Third and Kroger.

“The passion and commitment of this community to keep the tournament here was an undeniable factor in our decision to stay,” said Ben Navarro, founder of Beemok Captial. “The city of Mason, Warren County, the state of Ohio and multiple corporate entities demonstrated their unwavering support for the tennis tournament. This tournament and its history are special. We’re excited to add to its legacy and create a world-class tennis experience for players and fans.”

An ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event, the Cincinnati Open is one of the world’s nine biggest tournaments where both men and women compete at the same time. The event is scheduled to add more days in 2025, as the singles draw expands from 56 to 96 players.

To account for the expansion, the tournament site is undergoing an extensive, campus-wide renovation planned to improve fan and player experiences. Several site improvements will be ready this year, including two new hospitality areas, additional practice courts, redesigned Crosscourt Suites, and a brand new seating experience at Center Court and Grandstand.