‘It’s special.’ What players are saying in Cincinnati

By Lisa Kruse

Players at the Cincinnati Open grace the courts and beyond with their rackets and their words. Here, they share about their play, their preparation and dealing with disappointment.

19 years ago a career started here 💙#CincyTennis | @CaroWozniacki pic.twitter.com/ejfRrtynw1

— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 15, 2024

“This is a very special place for me….I’m thrilled to be back and see so many familiar faces.“

Caroline Wozniacki made her WTA debut here in Cincinnati 19 years ago as a 15-year-old. Fast forward 19 years (she’s now 34) and one career retirement, she back on court and was granted a wildcard to play the Cincinnati Open. After defeating Anhelina Kalinina on Wednesday night, she shared some memories and her trademark smile. Next up for her: Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cincinnati Open (@cincytennis)

“I am back.”

On Wednesday night, Jiri Lehecka bested Daniil Medvedev in two sets. Moments after his win on court, he announced his return, after a three-month hiatus due to injury, as he signed the camera lens. He also couldn’t resist saying “Of course, I’m really happy with the win.”

“I had a really good week, and you can just build confidence on it. You know, I’m not a top 20 player yet. I’m still, you know, going after it.“

Mason’s own Peyton Stearns was bested by Paula Badosa on Wednesday. At 22, she won her first career title earlier this year at Rabat, Morroco. Despite losing in singles, her play at the 2024 Cincinnati Open is not over – she won her doubles match later that day with partner Magda Linette.

“I threw it a bit high, but he managed to catch it.“

Hubert Hurkacz is experiencing more in Cincinnati than just tennis. On Wednesday evening he threw the first pitch at the Cincinnati Reds game. He added, “It was fun…I’ve seen a baseball game [before] but it was a while ago. It was really cool.”

The moment @leylahfernandez knocked out Rybakina 👀 #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/tOdX7xbWpp

— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 15, 2024

“With you guys I was able to fight through every point. And I just tried to put one more ball back in so you can enjoy it a little bit more…Thank you for coming out and for being here.“

Leylah Fernandez showed her fighting spirit and appreciation for the fans after winning her match against Elena Rybakina in three sets. She is especially enjoying having some family love here as her sister, Bianca, is with her providing motivation and calm.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Women’s Tennis Association (@wta)

“For sure, I’m going to prepare tactically, but I have my work to do, and I’ll focus on myself too. And I’m actually pretty happy that I can play this tournament, like, with no expectation, and just focus on the next step.“

Iga Swaitek, after defeating Varvara Gracheva Wednesday night 6-0, 6-7(8), 6-2. The match was one of the 22 first-round matches on Wednesday to go the full three sets.

It’s anyone’s guess as to what we’ll hear next. There’s more to come as the players continue talking around the grounds of the 2024 Cincinnati Open.