Putting Community at the Center of the Court

At its core, the Cincinnati Open is about connection. Whether welcoming families through donated tickets, celebrating local heroes or expanding access to the sport, the tournament continues to deepen its roots in Greater Cincinnati. 

We’re building something bigger than a tournament. We’re building a community experience.

Bob Moran, Cincinnati Open Tournament Director

In 2025, that commitment was stronger than ever. New community-focused events brought even more people into the fold, while long-standing programs like ACEing Autism, Kids Day and Cincy Serves created meaningful moments of impact. The result? A tournament experience shaped not only by the players on court, but by the people it serves off it. 

“We’re proud of what this tournament has become, not just for the athletes and fans, but for the communities that make it all possible,” said Bob Moran, Tournament Director of the Cincinnati Open.  

“Our goal has always been to build something the community can be proud of. This year, we saw just how powerful that can be, from youth scholarship recipients to volunteers from eight countries, every corner of the tournament reflected the spirit of giving back.” 
 

New Additions and Adaptive Experiences 

This year’s tournament introduced several new events that expanded access and created unique opportunities for players and fans alike: 

• Wheelchair & Adaptive Tennis Showcase — highlighting the skill and determination of wheelchair athletes during tournament week. 

• ellesse Junior Championship — hosted for the first time on-site, giving young players the chance to compete where the pros play. 

• ACEing Autism Clinic — a returning favorite that continues to connect kids with the sport through specialized support. 

• Adult Red Ball Experience — proving it’s never too late to pick up a racquet and join the fun. 

Cincy Serves: Honoring the Helpers 

Now in its second year, the Cincinnati Open and Fifth Third hosted Cincy Serves, which recognized 12 incredible individuals making a difference in Greater Cincinnati through service in education, wellness, children’s programs and/or financial empowerment. 

Selected from over 200 nominations, this year’s honorees included a college student, a retired police sergeant and leaders working in areas like nutrition, mental health and community safety. Each received VIP treatment at the tournament and a $5,300 donation to a charity of their choice. 

“Cincy Serves is one of the most meaningful things we do,” said Moran. “It’s our chance to thank the people doing quiet, essential work across our region and give them the spotlight they deserve.” 

Aces for Kids: Turning Every Ace into Impact 

In partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the Aces for Kids initiative once again turned on-court performance into off-court impact. For every ace served during the tournament, the Cincinnati Open pledged $60 toward pediatric care and research. Players delivered an impressive 2,460 aces, resulting in a $147,600 donation in 2025. 

These funds help drive pioneering medical research, deliver life-saving treatments, and ensure families receive the compassionate, wraparound care they need. From funding groundbreaking therapies to supporting families through some of their toughest moments, every ace this year helped make a difference where it matters most. 

“It’s one of the most meaningful stats of the tournament,” said Bob Moran. “Every ace on court helped us give back off court and the players take real pride in knowing their performance plays a part in that.” 

Bocce Bonanza: A New Way to Give Back 

This year also marked the launch of Bocce Bonanza, a new fundraising event benefiting the Cincinnati Tennis Foundation. Held after the tournament at the newly transformed Lindner Family Tennis Center, the event welcomed community members, supporters and partners for friendly competition and camaraderie. 

Teams purchased entries and played on beautifully designed bocce courts, turning the event into both a spirited tournament and a meaningful way to give back. The inaugural Bocce Bonanza raised $50,000 to support the Foundation’s mission of expanding tennis access and programming throughout Greater Cincinnati. 

“Bocce Bonanza reminded us that community can show up in all kinds of joyful ways,” said Moran. “Seeing people compete, laugh and celebrate together at our new facility all in support of local tennis programs was incredibly special.” 

Scholarships that Open Doors 

Four junior players were selected as recipients of named scholarships in 2025; each awarded a $5,000 grant to continue their development:  

• Jace Lewis, age 9 – Andre Agassi Scholarship 

• Amara Ekwueme, age 10 – Sloane Stephens Scholarship 

• Vibha Gogineni, age 15 – Bryan Brothers Scholarship 

• Joyous McNealy, age 12 – Bryan Brothers Scholarship 

Powered by People: 1,607 Volunteers Strong 

The heart of the Cincinnati Open continues to beat through its volunteer community. In 2025, 1,607 volunteers contributed more than 91,000 hours of service, representing a combined 8,947 years of dedication to the tournament. 

These passionate individuals came from 35 states and eight countries, united by their love of tennis and their shared commitment to giving back. Their support stretched across every corner of the event creating a welcoming environment for all. 

This incredible turnout proves that while the Cincinnati Open is rooted in Southwest Ohio, its spirit of service knows no borders. Our volunteers aren’t just helping run a tournament, they’re helping us build something that gives back, year after year. 

Ticket Donations: A Record Year 

In 2025, the Cincinnati Open donated a total of 547 tickets, representing a 63.77 percent increase over 2024. The total value of ticket donations exceeded $147,000, with support extending to organizations including: 

• Cincinnati Recreation Commission  
• Armed Forces Ticket Association (AFTA)  
• Most Valuable Kids  
• Cincinnati Tennis Foundation  
• USTA Midwest Diverse Program  
• Black Tennis Connect, Cincinnati Children’s Champions Program and others 

2025 Financial Giving: Where the Money Went  

Through direct giving and sponsorship, the tournament donated more than $588,600 in 2025 to organizations doing impactful work locally and nationally: 

Major Donations 

• Aces for Kids | Cincinnati Children’s Hospital  
• Tennis for Charity / First Serve Cincinnati  
• Cincinnati Tennis Foundation – Annual commitment Scholarships & Bocce Bonanza  
• Cincy Serves Honorees  

Event Sponsorships & Grants 

• RIDE Cincinnati  
• WTA Foundation  
• Buddy Up for Life  
• USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation  
• Charles M. Barrett Memorial Golf Outing  

“We’re building something bigger than a tournament. We’re building a community experience,” said Moran. “Every ticket donated, every child served, every honoree recognized – that’s what this is really about.”