Surprise. Excitement. What players are saying in Cincinnati

By Lisa Kruse

Cincinnati Open players wouldn’t be professional tennis stars without being fueled by a focused drive to win. But they also have a lighthearted love of the game. Here’s a bit of what they are talking about.

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“I finally broke the wall!”

After four Cincinnati Open semifinal appearances, Aryna Sabalenka bested Iga Swiatek on Sunday to become a 2024 Cincinnati Open finalist for the first time in her career. She faces Jessica Pegula in Monday’s final. Limited tickets for Finals Monday are available here.

Auger-Aliassime & Kalinskaya Attempt To Recreate Famous Monfils Trick Shot! #CincyTennis | @felixtennis pic.twitter.com/XoCYcI0ek3

— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 18, 2024

“It’s actually more difficult than I thought.” – Anna Kalinskaya

“Now my head is spinning…I could barely see the ball.” – Felix Auger-Aliassime

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Anna Kalinskaya each had ten attempts to recreate Gael Monfils’ iconic trick shot from a past Cincinnati tournament.

Congrats @FTiafoe on the 200th tour level win 🙌#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/B8GAyQ3Gpm

— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 18, 2024

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

Yes, he knew he was successful, but couldn’t quantify it with a number. Moments after his win (Hurkacz ret.) on Saturday, Frances Tiafoe learned he had earned his 200^thtour-level win. Tiafoe added, “Hopefully it doesn’t take too long to get my next 200.” He is set to face off against Holger Rune in a semifinal match Sunday. Limited tickets for Finals Monday are available here.

There’s still an opportunity to visit the 2024 Cincinnati Open and hear for yourself what these world-class players have to say. Limited tickets remain for the final matches. See you soon!