"WSOP in Cincinnati"** - Cincinnati Masters 2021

Western & Southern Open
ATP/WTA Masters 1000
Cincinnati, Ohio August 15-22, 2021

**For those who don't immediately recall the reference, "WSOP in Cincinnati" in  the Title is the W&S Open in Cincinnati, and is a throwback to "WKRP in Cincinnati" - the eponymous, fictional radio station sitcom running on TV from 1978-1982. I can't imagine anyone in 2021 who hasn't heard reference to the sitcom or hasn't seen reruns.

After a one-time stint in New York City last year, the tourney has returned to Cincy. It is played in 

Mason, a suburb of Cincinnati.

It was first played in 1899, and the tournament is proud of its rich tradition. “The champions list reads like a who’s who of tennis greats, with more than 100 International Hall of Famers having played in Cincinnati over the years.”

“When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always 20 years behind the times. I think the Cincinnati Enquirer must be edited by children." ~ Mark Twain's take.

"Cincinnati is a beautiful city; cheerful, thriving, and animated." ~ Charles Dickens take.

Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason OH - Cincinnati W&S Open 2021

The tournament had some good news! It will have full spectator capacity, but fans must be fully vaccinated or have a negative Covid test.  In addition, both the ATP and the WTA have announced an increase in prize money from 50% of the “base level” to 80%.

Surface: Hard outdoor

Draws: ATP – singles 56, doubles 24. WTA – singles 56, doubles 28

Defending ATP champ: Novak Djokovic (has won twice)

Defending WTA champ: Victoria Azarenka (has won twice)

Novak Djokovic - Defending Champ 2020 (womp womp)

 ATP

Seeds (in order of seeding): Daniil Medvedev (2019 champ), Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, Matteo Berrettini, Denis Shapovalov, Pablo Carreno Busta, Casper Ruud, Hubert Hurkacz, Diego Schwartzman, Jannik Sinner, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Roberto Bautista Agut, Alex de Minaur, David Goffin, Cristian Garin.

Other notables include: Lloyd Harris, Ugo Humbert, Karen Khachanov, Sebastian Korda.

Wildcards: Andy Murray (two-time champ) and Americans Mackenzie McDonald, Brandon Nakashima, Frances Tiafoe.

Notable Absences: A sign of the changing times, none of the historic Big 3, Djokovic, Federer or Nadal, is taking part. Federer has won the tournament seven times, Djokovic twice, and Nadal once. Sadly, injuries have kept out several other players including Dominic Thiem, Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic and Stan Wawrinka.

SINGLES DRAW
DOUBLES DRAW

OOP

Art Museum Mason, OH - Giant Pinocchio Welcomes You!

WTA

Seeds (in order of seeding): Ashleigh Barty, Naomi Osaka, Aryna Sabalenka, Elina Svitolina, Karolina Pliskova, Iga Swiatek, Bianca Andreescu, Garbine Muguruza, Barbora Krejcikova, Belinda Bencic, Petra Kvitova, Simona Halep, Jennifer Brady, Victoria Azarenka, Elise Mertens, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Vika Azarenka - Defending Champ Cincy 2020

Other notables include: Danielle Collins, Ons Jabeur, Angelique Kerber, Maria Sakkari.

Wildcards: Sam Stosur, Jil Teichmann and Americans Caty McNally, Bernarda Pera, Sloane Stephens.

Notable absences include Serena, Venus, Sofia Kenin.

SINGLES DRAW

**DOUBLES DRAW (go to pdf on WTA site if you're desperate or dare)

OOP

Rookwood Cup Trophy

Rookwood Vase Looks Regal in Park Setting on Grass

The tourney has an unusual trophy, a piece of pottery with a design of tennis balls and acanthus leaves, produced by a local company. The result is a bit odd, but credit to them for celebrating their roots. In fact in the first Cincinnati Open, the Gentlemen’s 1st prize was a Rookwood ale set – a tankard and six mugs - and the Ladies’ Doubles first prize was a Rookwood vase.

**Shirley - thumbs up icon to you!