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Volume 2, Issue 6 September 2009
111 YEARS HAVE PASSED AND STILL GOT IT!
BY BRENDA C. MCCASKILL ([email protected]) PHOTOS PROVIDED It’s not every day that the best in men’s and women’s tennis come to (left to right) Greater Cincinnati. Just every year! And it’s been happening for the past Jelena Jankovic , 2009 W&SFG 111 years as Cincinnati holds the re- Women’s Open cord for the oldest tournament in the Champion; United States still played in its origi- nal city. What originally began as the Roger Federer, Cincinnati Open has flourished into 2009 W&SFG the Western & Southern Financial Masters Champion; Group Masters & Women’s Open. Photos by Bob Payne
Tennis history has been made in Cincin- nati for the past 111 years as the best in Olympus U.S. Open Series, is atmosphere, so always I am tennis have come to Southwest Ohio, to viewed as “lots of fun…a great ex- very happy to be here.” said show their tennis prowess, and that his- perience”. Without a doubt, the Rafael Nadal, former No. 1 tory continues in 2009. Today, the consensus is “see you next year”! men’s player and currently W&SFG Masters & Women’s Open, is the fourth (that’s right – 4th ) largest ten- ranked No. 3 in the world. nis tournament in the U.S. - behind the Over sixteen (16) days, the world’s U.S. Open (New York City, New best women and men tennis players Fans not only saw great tour- York), BNP Paribas Open (Indian converged on the Linder Family nament play but also engaged Wells, California), and among the top Tennis Center for the Western & in off court activities that ten (10) tennis events in the world. Southern Financial Group makes the experience reward-
(W&SFG) Masters & Women’s ing and memorable. “It’s so This year, 225,000 tennis fans/ Open in Mason, Ohio, for what is much more than tennis!” said spectators, and 1,200 volunteers took evolving into a “mini U.S. Open” in Bruce Flory, Tournament Di- a break from their normal routine Au- the Midwest. With the likes of Di- rector. And that it is. For ex- gust 8 th – 23 rd to witness the best in nara Safina (No. 1 female tennis ample, the tournaments benefit tennis and be a part of a great tennis player in the world), Serena Wil- local charities and since 1975, tradition in Southwest Ohio. For liams, Venus Williams, Elena De- charitable proceeds have ex- those who traveled from across the mentieva, Jelena Jankovic, and Kim ceeded over $8 million. The
U.S. and abroad, it was a vacation. Clijsters playing in the women’s women’s tournament benefits For those who live in the Greater Cin- tournament – to Roger Federer (No. The Charles M. Barrett Cancer cinnati area, it was a staycation. No 1 male tennis player in the world), Center at The University Hos- matter what you called your time Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Novak pital, and the men’s tourna- spent at or how many matches you Djokovic, Andy Roddick, and ment benefits The Cincinnati watched, the 2009 Western & South- James Blake among those playing Children’s Hospital and Medi- ern Financial Group Masters & in the men’s tournament, fans got to cal Center. Women’s Open, which is part of the see (and sometimes got up close to) the best players in action. “Yeah, In addition, there were numer- there’s good crowd always. Good
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111 YEARS HAVE PASSED AND STILL GOT IT! (cont’d)
When the pros aren’t competing, fans might get a glimpse of them at practice: (left to right) James Blake, Rafael Nadal, Elena Demen- tieava, Venus Williams, and Dinara Safina. (Photos by David A. McCaskill) ous off court activities in which pa- some of the best tennis players in players as well. The top forty-four (44) trons engaged including a Kids Day the world and be a part of the ranked men players in the world made up featuring tennis clinics for kids, action – just awesome!”, said a the field of fifty-six (56), and for the sec- Macy’s Ladies Day featuring coin toss winner. ond time in tournament history, the top four (4) ranked players advanced to the brunch and fashions, Night at the semifinals. Roger Federer, who just a few Net a special reception for college This was the first year for the alumni groups and individuals, weeks before coming to Mason, welcomed upgraded women’s event at the the birth of twin daughters and now also Olympus photo clinics which pro- W&SFG Women’s Open, now a vided tips on how to capture the carries the title of daddy, defeated Novak Premier Level on the Sony Erics- Djokovic (ranked No. 4 in the world), to best photo, and the USTA (United son WTA Tour. The top ten (10) win Federer’s third W&SFG Masters title. States Tennis Association) Mem- ranked women tennis players in bership Appreciation Day which the world made up the field of included a hospitality tent and ticket fifty-six (56) vying for the 2009 Next year, tennis in middle America will discounts. W&SFG Women’s Open title. In be even more exciting as the Linder Family
the end, Jelena Jankovic, ranked Tennis Center undergoes a $10 million Some lucky fans even got to be a No. 5 in the world, upset Dinara renovation to upgrade the facility for both part of the on court tennis action as Safina to win the 2009 W&SFG the players and fans. Mark your calendars the W&SFG sponsored a drawing to Women’s Open. as the date is set for 2010 for the best in flip/toss the coin to start the match for tennis to play the 2010 Western & South- each singles and doubles match For the men, the W&SFG Mas- ern Financial Group Masters & Women’s played on center court. “It was awe- ters, a Masters 1000 ATP World Open, August 7 – 22, 2010, in Mason, some to not only be the official coin event, was stacked with the best Ohio. tosser for a match, but to stand with Said Venus Williams via her Twitter page, “It’s so much more than tennis!”, said Bruce Flory, Tournament Director. Just ask the “I’m going to miss my fans in Cinci, you fans who got a chance of a life time to toss all are the best! See you next year!” the coin to start a match on center court. Local Greater Cincinnati residents (pictured to right) were among those who tossed and were also fortunate to see pros James Blake For more information about the tournament, tick- and John Isner practice . (pictured left to ets, and/or volunteering, visit right) Lenny Kleiner, James Blake, Janice www.cincytennis.com or call 513.651.0303. Kleiner, Brenda C. McCaskill, John Isner, and David A. McCaskill. (Photo provided )
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