Tennis, Tradition, and Triumph: What Players Are Saying at the Cincinnati Open

By Lisa Kruse

As the 2024 Cincinnati Open kicks off, the energy on and off the courts is palpable. This tournament has become more than just a stop on the tennis calendar; it’s a celebration of the sport, the city and the fans who make it all possible. From the sweet temptations of local favorites like Graeter’s Ice Cream to the fierce determination that drives players to greatness, Cincinnati is where tennis legends and rising stars converge. Here’s what players are sharing about their experiences, the city and their journeys so far.

“I’m trying to eat more healthy. Graeter’s is a tough one to resist. I’ve had it before, it’s amazing.”
—Iga Swiatek, on balancing nutrition with Cincinnati’s iconic treats.

“When Sara [Errani] asked me to play doubles with her for the Olympics, I was excited. I was feeling I didn’t have any idea on how to play doubles. Now we have the Gold medal – it’s crazy!”

—Jasmine Paolini, reflecting on an unexpected Olympic journey.

“I have great crowd support in Cincinnati – the reception I’ve gotten here has been really warm. They love tennis here. I know players enjoy playing this tournament, so it’s nice to see them making it even better for players and fans.”
—Coco Gauff, appreciating the Cincinnati crowd and tournament improvements.

“Anytime I’m in a tournament, I’m always doing what comes naturally to me—trying to win. This is a great tournament. I’m happy to be back. It would be huge to do well here.”
—Taylor Fritz, on his drive to succeed at the Cincinnati Open.

“I think tennis is at a good point in general right now. There’s a lot of excitement around the sport. We have so many Americans doing pretty well. We have a lot of exciting people to watch, and I think the people here are excited about that.”

—Tommy Paul, on the current state of American tennis and its fans

“I always want to be better, I always think I could do it better. I’ve had a great summer – Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, silver in the Olympics, obviously I wanted the gold medal. If I win or lose [a match], I try to be better and not make the same mistakes next match.”
—Carlos Alcaraz, embodying the mindset of a champion.

In Cincinnati, it’s more than just the matches that make the tournament special—it’s the stories, the ambitions, and the connections between the players and the city. Stay tuned for more from the heart of the Cincinnati Open as we continue to bring you insights from the court and beyond in our “Said in Cincy” series.