History of Cincinnati Open in Timeline

The Cincinnati Open, held annually in Cincinnati, USA, is a prestigious professional tennis tournament with a rich history dating back to 1899. Played on outdoor hard courts at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, it's the oldest tennis tournament in the US still held in its original location. As the third largest tennis event in the country, it attracts top players globally. The tournament is part of the ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tours, showcasing elite tennis competition.

1901: Tri-State Tennis Tournament

In 1901, the Cincinnati Open was renamed to the Tri-State Tennis Tournament, a name it would keep until 1969.

1903: Move to Cincinnati Tennis Club

The tournament moved to the Cincinnati Tennis Club in 1903, where it would primarily be held until 1972.

1919: First Instance Without a Women's Draw

The year 1919 marked the first time the tournament was held without a women's draw.

May 31, 1922: Birth of Paul M. Flory

Paul M. Flory, a prominent figure in the tournament's history, was born on May 31, 1922.

1969: End of Tri-State Tennis Tournament Era

In 1969, the Tri-State Tennis Tournament name was retired, later to be known by many other names.

1972: Departure from Cincinnati Tennis Club

After nearly seven decades, the tournament moved from the Cincinnati Tennis Club in 1972.

1974: Near Cancellation and Move to Convention Center

In 1974, the tournament was nearly removed from the tennis calendar but was moved to the Cincinnati Convention Center, marking the first time since 1919 without a women's draw.

1975: Paul M. Flory Takes Charge

Paul M. Flory, an executive at Procter & Gamble, became the tournament director in 1975. He donated millions to charity during his time.

1975: Relocation to Coney Island

The tournament found a new home at the Coney Island amusement park on the Ohio River in 1975, marking the beginning of its resurgence in popularity.

1979: Switch to Hardcourts

In 1979, the tournament switched from clay courts to hardcourts, marking a significant change in the playing surface.

1979: Move to Mason and Surface Change

The tournament moved to Mason in 1979, where a permanent stadium was constructed and the surface was changed from clay to hardcourt.

1981: Grand Prix Tennis Tour

The Cincinnati tournament became a major event on the men's Grand Prix Tennis Tour in 1981.

1988: Brief Reinstatement of the Women's Competition

The women's competition was reinstated for one year in 1988.

1989: End of Grand Prix Tennis Tour Era

1989 marked the end of an era as the tournament concluded its run as a major event on the men's Grand Prix Tennis Tour.

2002: Western & Southern Financial Group Sponsorship Begins

In 2002, Western & Southern Financial Group became the tournament's sponsor, continuing until at least 2016.

2004: Permanent Return of the Women's Competition

The women's competition returned permanently in 2004 when the organizers bought the Croatian Bol Ladies Open and moved it to Cincinnati.

August 2008: USTA Acquires Men's Tournament

In August 2008, the men's tournament was sold to the United States Tennis Association, the organizers of the US Open.

2009: Facility Upgrade Announcement

A $10 million upgrade to the facility was announced in 2009, including the construction of the Paul M. Flory Player Center.

2010: Expansion to Four Stadium Courts

A new Court 3 was built in 2010, increasing the total number of stadium courts to four and making Cincinnati the only tennis tournament besides the Grand Slams to have this many.

2010: Opening of Paul M. Flory Player Center

The new West Building, named the Paul M. Flory Player Center, was opened in mid-2010.

2010: Grounds Expansion and Court Additions

The tournament announced plans to expand the grounds and add six new courts in 2010, further enhancing the facility's capacity.

2011: Joint Men's and Women's Tournament and Name Change

The men's and women's tournaments were combined to be played in the same week in 2011, leading to the name change to the Western & Southern Open.

January 31, 2013: Passing of Paul M. Flory

Paul M. Flory, who played a significant role in the tournament's development, passed away on January 31, 2013.

2015: Federer's Seventh Cincinnati Crown

Roger Federer won his seventh Cincinnati Open title in 2015, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final.

2016: Continuation of Western & Southern Sponsorship

Western & Southern Financial Group continued their sponsorship of the tournament until at least 2016.

2018: Djokovic's Golden Masters Achievement

Novak Djokovic achieved the Golden Masters in 2018 by winning all nine Masters 1000 tournaments, a historic feat in men's tennis.

June 2020: Temporary Relocation Due to COVID-19

In June 2020, the tournament was temporarily moved to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Djokovic's Second Golden Masters

Novak Djokovic achieved a double Golden Masters in 2020 by once again winning all nine Masters 1000 tournaments.

2022: Beemok Capital Acquires Tournament

Ben Navarro's Beemok Capital purchased the tournament from the USTA in 2022.

May 2023: Relocation Rumors Surface

Rumors emerged in May 2023 that Beemok Capital, the tournament owner, was considering moving the tournament to Charlotte, North Carolina. However, Beemok denied these claims.

June 2023: Proposals to Keep Tournament in Mason

The city of Mason proposed a $15 million commitment and other incentives to keep the tournament in June 2023. Additionally, State Senator Steve Wilson proposed a $25 million contribution and a $1 billion "super-capital improvement fund" for a state budget proposal.

October 2023: Tournament to Remain in Mason and Expand

In October 2023, Beemok Capital announced that the tournament would stay in Mason and expand to a 12-day format with an expanded player draw, starting in 2025.