It’s truly the heart of tennis. What players said at the 2024 Cincinnati Open

By Lisa Kruse

The tournament grounds are always filled with player buzz and heart.  This year has been no exception. From excitement to honesty, here’s a look at some of the best player quotes from the 2024 Cincinnati Open.

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“In the finals, I think I played incredible tennis. She pushed me a lot in this match.”

• Aryna Sabalenka, 2024 Cincinnati Open champion, reflects on playing the final match against Jessica Pegula (6-3, 7-5).

One day earlier… “I finally broke the wall!”

• Aryna Sabalenka, after defeating Iga Swaitek on Sunday (in her fourth Cincinnati Open semifinal) to become a 2024 Cincinnati Open finalist for the first time in her career.

“That’s why Cincinnati is such a special place, because of you guys…you’re amazing.”

• Aryna Sabalenka addressed the crowd after a Cincinnati Open match win.

“Things happen for a reason, I guess… I think it was much needed to…spend some time with myself.”

• Aryna Sabalenka, on having to take time off because of injury.

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“I’m very happy to win this tournament. It’s an amazing win. The crowd has been amazing throughout the whole week.”

• Jannik Sinner, 2024 Cincinnati Open champion, (his 5th title this year) reflects on playing the final match against Frances Tiafoe (7-6, 6-2).

Earlier in the week… “It’s a nice feeling when [fans] recognize you for not only the tennis player you are, but for the person you are…which is more important, no?”

• Jannik Sinner, on being appreciated by fans.

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“I’m [prepared] to grind out the end of the year a bit after I missed the beginning of the season (due to injury).”

• Before she hit her first ball here, Jessica Pegula, former world No. 3 chatted with journalists.

“I was really tired today, to be honest. [It was] really tough conditions…the wind was swirling;”

• Jessica Pegula remarks on her play after winning three matches in 24 hours (rain delays) to reach the Cincinnati Open semifinals. 

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“This is the most fun I’ve had in Cincinnati.”

• Frances Tiafoe, on his 2024 Cincinnati Open experience.

“Wow…200…I had no idea…that’s a big milestone.”

• Frances Tiafoe is surprised when he learns about earning his 200^th tour-level win.

Road trippin’ to Cincy
@CaroWozniacki and @FTiafoe join tennis fans for the ride…with a twist!#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/3okL6NyBwO

— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 16, 2024

“OK, let’s go give some fans a surprise!” – Caroline Wozniaki

“I’m excited go and do this.” – Frances Tiafoe

• Caroline Wozniaki and Frances Tiafoe joined fans in a surprise carpool shuttle ride.

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.”

• Tour veteran Caroline Wozniacki made her WTA debut here in Cincinnati 19 years ago as a 15-year-old.

“We’re both players and friends…I respect Aryna so much”

• World No.1 Iga Swiatek remarked on her fellow player Aryna Sabalenka.

“To play here on this court instead of watching in the stands – it’s awesome. It’s surreal, I’m not going to lie.”

• Ashlyn Krueger, after winning her first round match in a tournament she visited as a child.

“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 looks at the bright side after her disappointing loss in the first round.

Pitch perfect ⚾️ @HubertHurkacz 🤝 @Reds #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/R4xqkqFq7d

— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 15, 2024

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

• Hubert Hurkacz, after throwing the first pitch at a Cincinnati Reds game.

“You have to just play with your instincts…Yes, I’m proud of myself.”

• Yulia Putintseva, after besting Cincinnati Open defending champion Coco Gauff Thursday afternoon.

“In 2002 …[even as an under-14 player] I thought – whoa, this guy is really good.”

• Pablo Carreno Busta ESP, on the first time he saw countryman Carlos Alcaraz play tennis.

Players and puppies 🥹#CincyTennis | @FifthThird pic.twitter.com/rowVLqWmkG

— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 15, 2024

“Ahhh…look at her!”

• Mirra Andreeva melts when she spots a puppy in the player lounge.

“I think it’s important to get out of the tennis world.”

• Jack Draper acknowledges a tennis player’s life is not only tennis.

“It’s a good way back and hopefully it will not stop here.”

• Alexander Zverev reflects on playing at the same high level he enjoyed pre-set back.

“Quarters baby! Love the Midwest.”

• Ben Shelton showed his excitement after winning his R16 match.

“It’s confidence…respect and have fun. It’s one of the keys.”

• Marcel Granollers, one half of the world No. 1 doubles team with Horaciao Zeballos, acknowledged the importance of teamwork.

“We’ve been working with a lot of self-belief the past few years.” 

• Leylah Fernandez, on the work she and her team put in each and every day. 

“I’m a little bit nervous…We’ll see what happens.”

• No. 4 Italian Flavio Cobilli headed to Kings Island during his time in Cincinnati.