Heartwarming Moments in the Heart of Tennis

The 2025 Cincinnati Open was truly unforgettable. From the electric energy of the fans pulsing through the newly transformed campus, to the heart-pounding on-court action, the sweltering summer heat and countless surprise-and-delight moments across two weeks, it was one for the ages.

Join us on a walk down memory lane as we revisit the heartwarming highlights that defined this year’s tournament at the heart of tennis.

Coco’s Sweet Surprise

On her first day on-site, 2023 champion Coco Gauff gave fans a treat to remember. During a brief pop-up appearance in the Commons, Coco served up smiles and Graeter’s ice cream to unsuspecting and excited fans. The scene was pure joy – kids trying to get closer, fans fumbling to snap a photo and Coco giggling as she passed out scoops to wide-eyed customers.

It Feels Like Disneyland

The Cincinnati Open’s $260 million campus transformation left both players and fans awestruck. Andrey Rublev summed it up simply: “I’ve always loved it and now it’s even better.” French doubles player Sadio Doumbia compared it to Disneyland, while the legendary Venus Williams dubbed it “tennis paradise.” Fans were just as pleased.

• “I feel like I’m at a luxury hotel celebrating vacation.”
• “It’s so accessible; it’s just beautiful. I’m really impressed.”

Our hearts were bursting hearing all the love for the upgraded home of the Cincinnati Open.

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Heartfelt Homecomings

Two hometown stars returned to Cincinnati filled with pride and emotion. Peyton Stearns, fresh off a Center Court win, was moved to tears: “I just remember like it was yesterday when I was out here flipping a coin, so it’s pretty cool.”

Caty McNally, back from injury after not playing in Cincinnati since 2022, called the moment “surreal.” She shared, “Being able to come back here and get a win and play in front of everyone again, it means the world.”

Pouring into the Practice Courts

The practice courts have always been a Cincinnati fan favorite, and this year featured more courts, more action and more fans than ever before. Fans packed the stands for match-like intensity paired with lighthearted, behind-the-scenes fun: selfies, autographs, laughter and a closeness to the game that’s hard to beat.

The Surprise of a Lifetime

The world’s best players don’t just inspire with their tennis, they inspire with who they are. Super fans were invited to record messages to Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek. What they didn’t know? Their idols were just behind the curtain, ready to surprise them face-to-face. Tears, hugs, and gasps followed, a once-in-a-lifetime memory for everyone involved.

Terence Atmane’s Unexpected Rise

Ranked No. 136 and entering through qualifying, Terence Atmane wasn’t expected to be the name on everyone’s lips. But Atmane quickly became the Cinderalla story of the tournament as he delivered upset after upset taking down Flavio Cobolli, Joao Fonseca, Taylor Fritz, and Holger Rune before falling in the semis to Jannik Sinner.

What made his run even more endearing? His Cincinnati pride (rocking local sports gear), his magic tricks and even a Pokémon card gifted to Sinner. By the end of the tournament, Atmate was up to No. 69 in the world and called his time here “the best days of my life.”

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Puppy Love

Few things rival tennis and puppies. Fifth Third Bank’s annual Pups and Players event brought furry joy to fans, while SPCA made the moment even sweeter by surprising players in the Clubhouse. Jannik Sinner was smitten with one little pup named Ardin. Later that day, a tournament volunteer, Phil, adopted the same dog, renaming him “Janni” without knowing of Sinner’s connection. When Sinner and Phil met, their shared bond over one lucky pup was nothing short of heartwarming.

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Swiatek the Swiftie

When Iga Swiatek steps on court, it’s all business. But ask her to rank Taylor Swift albums? Suddenly she’s all giggles and indecision, agonizing over favorites like any true Swiftie. Watching the world No. 1 gush over her favorite artist reminded us: even global superstars are fans too.

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Aces for Kids

This year, aces carried extra meaning. For every ace hit, the Cincinnati Open pledged $60 to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Players combined for 2,460 aces, raising an incredible $147,600. Former patients, known as “Champions,” accepted the check on Center Court before the men’s final, proving that every serve can make a difference.

Learner Tien, Gamer at Heart

Off the court, teenage breakout Learner Tien trades his racquet for a controller. At the Cincinnati Open’s gaming center, he joined fans for rounds of Victory Royale, Fortnite and other favorites, showing he’s just as formidable in a digital battle as on the baseline. A competitor, a role model and a gamer, Tien is one to watch.

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From unforgettable upsets to sweet surprises, campus magic to heartfelt moments, the 2025 Cincinnati Open delivered memories we’ll carry long after the last ball was struck. Until next year, Cincinnati, thank you for reminding us why this tournament is truly the heart of tennis.