General Interviews

Maybe it’s the pressure, or the red hair. What the players are saying in Cincinnati

Aug 14, 2024
sinner western & southern autograph

By Lisa Kruse

If you listen closely around the grounds of the Cincinnati Open, you never know what you’re going to hear. Players talk to  – and about – the fans, their play, pressure and their person. Here’s what they are saying.

“Before, I was like, ‘I have to win this match – win, win, win’. [Now,] I want to take it day by day. When I step into a court, I’m happy. I’m back again. I’m trying to entertain people. I DO still want to win every match – there are some things that will never change. I keep pushing myself, sometimes too much.“

After being away from tennis for a year (with chronic back pain), Paula Badosa acknowledges the intense pressure she puts on herself to perform on court. She defeated local player Peyton Stearns in her first-round match Wednesday, as she looks to earn her second WTA title of the year.

“Being older, I realize there’s no box that I fit in. It’s so liberating to me…I’m unapologetically myself. It gives me strength.“

As a junior tennis player in the public eye, Taylor Townsend felt she had to present herself in a certain way. Now, being older, she feels free to enjoy being the person she is. After qualifying for the Cincinnati Open main draw, Taylor defeated Caroline Dolehide [WC] on Wednesday.

“Are you ready?“

Tennis phenom Carlos Alcaraz makes a fan very happy as he holds her phone to take a selfie after a practice session. Next up on court for Carlos: the veteran player Monfils.

“Is it like dancing or something?“

Felix Auger-Aliassime, wondering what the Gen Z term “Bussin” refers to. (Spoiler alert: it’s a slang term that means something is good or excellent.)

“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? It’s nice to have this kind of fans.“

Around the grounds, a child with red hair hailed Jannik Sinner (also a redhead) looking for an autograph and a bond over their special hair feature. In Jannik’s words “It is quite rare.”

As the week continues, stay tuned for more from the Cincinnati Open straight from the mouths (and hearts!) of the players.

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