Western & Southern Open 2022 by Cincinnati Magazine

2022

WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST IN TENNIS FACE OFF IN MASON

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2022 WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN 59

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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64 WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN 2022

65 68 70 72 76 80 82

Q&A WITH BLAIR HENLEY DRESS LIKE A PRO GROWING UP W&SO NEW FAN EXPERIENCE ZONE PLAYERS TO WATCH PHOTOS OF TOURNAMENTS' PAST BY THE NUMBERS

PHOTOGRAPH BY JEFF HOUCHIN

BLAIR HENLEY

Tennis Talk BLAIR HENLEY HOPES TO BOTH INFORM AND ENTERTAIN FANS AT THE TOURNAMENT’S “COURTYARD CONVERSATIONS” SESSIONS. — N A T H A N G R A N G E R

ports journalist Blair Henley discusses how her background has informed her work and what she hopes to accomplish for this year’s “Courtyard Conservations” at Western & Southern Open.

WHAT ARE “COURTYARD CONVERSATIONS”? One of the components of the Grand Courtyard is a stage perfect for getting to know some special guests. “Courtyard Conversations” will provide plenty of opportunities for fans to hear directly from the stars of the show. That space will also allow us to bring in other tennis personalities of note, who can provide one-of-a-kind tennis insight.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC “UNSUNG HEROES” YOU’RE HOPING TO HIGHLIGHT? There’s a lengthy list of people, from legends to coaches to physios to sports psychologists to nutritionists, who can share expertise on some of the less-discussed aspects of the game. And we couldn’t talk about unsung heroes without mentioning the tournament’s amazing army of 1,300 volunteers. Some of them have been with us for decades, and I have no doubt they have some fascinating tournament stories to tell. HOW DO YOU THINK THE “COURTYARD CONVERSATIONS” WILL HELP DRAW IN NEW FANS? American star Reilly Opelka walked through our gates as an up-

and-coming junior in 2008. He managed to get his giant tennis ball signed by none other than Novak Djokovic, a gesture he has said was far more important in fostering his love for the game than watching the tennis itself. It’s not an exaggeration to say that player interactions can create fans for life, and that is part of what we hope to do with “Courtyard Conversations.” FINALLY, IF THERE’S A MESSAGE YOU’D DELIVER TO THE FANS TO

GET THEM EXCITED FOR THIS YEAR’S TOURNAMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? We will certainly have plenty of new things to see and do around the grounds with the Grand Courtyard topping that list. But most importantly, we are one more year removed from the worst of the pandemic. While we are still proceeding with caution, there is an excitement and thankfulness in enjoying the same fun, exciting, familiar feel that fans at the Western & Southern Open have come to know and love.

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2022 WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN 65

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Fans can download the Western & Southern Open mobile app via the App Store or Google Play to access their tickets. GET IN THE GAME When you're not in the stands, the scores, schedules, and draws are right at your fingertips in the app. NO TENNIS? NO PROBLEM! Use the app to find out about all of the activities in the Grand Courtyard, W&SO's new fan experience zone.

Stay Connected Get up-to-date info on the Western & Southern Open all year on social media. facebook.com/cincytennis

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2022 WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN 69

Growing Up W&SO CINCINNATIANS CATY MCNALLY AND J.J. WOLF COMPETE FOR THE HOMETOWN CROWD AT THE WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN. — A L L I S O N

CATY McNALLY

he Western & Southern Open is among the nation’s largest tennis championships, so Cincinnatians are able to watch some of the best and brightest tennis stars compete annually. This year, players Caty McNally and J.J. Wolf will have the home court advantage as they compete in the very tournament they grew up watching in their hometown. McNally, who went pro in 2019, travels internationally to compete on the world tennis stage, but she still calls Cincinnati home. “Madeira is a pretty special place to me,” she says. “Once I’m on the road for so long, nothing feels better than going back there.” She continues to train at the tennis club where she first found her love for tennis, The Club at Harper’s Point, with her mom, Lynn Nabors McNally, as her coach. “I just fell in love with the game there,” McNally notes. “Whenever I was at the club, I was always trying to find time to hit on the wall or ask someone if they would go out on the court with me and play

with me.” Wolf’s journey was a little different. “I just started playing [tennis] on vacation as a family activity,” says the Loveland native. “Getting to play against my sister really got me excited in the sport.” After a successful threeyear collegiate tennis career at The Ohio State University, where he finished his junior year with a 35-2 singles record, Wolf turned pro in 2019. He’s currently coached by David Kass and Patrick Thompson. With the Western & Southern Open practically in their backyards, both players attended the tournament when they were young. “It was really big for me to see up close the level of the pros competing in the event,” Wolf says. “It allowed me to get a sense of the level of skill I

70 WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN 2022

would need to reach in order to compete against the best.” McNally attended the open each year with her mom, where she collected autographs and pictures with the players. “I can still remember just how excited I was on the drives to the courts and just getting to be around all those players knowing that one day I wanted to be exactly like them,” she adds. “It’s pretty cool to actually be around some of those players that I once saw when I was a little girl.” This year, McNally and Wolf are among the strong competitors at the Western & Southern Open, the kind of players they witnessed at the open as they grew up. McNally will compete in doubles

KIEHL

matches with her partner, Cori “Coco” Gauff. Wolf, currently ranked No. 151 in the Association of Tennis Professionals (APT), is set to compete in the singles tournament. Their performances on the court will be under the watchful eye of their community, where both players feel the warm embrace of support from their Cincinnati fans, family, and friends. While some athletes may feel the pressure of competing in front of their hometown crowd, McNally and Wolf look forward to the upcoming performance in their Cincinnati tournament. “I think every single athlete reacts differently to playing at home,” McNally says. “When I was younger, I probably felt a little bit more pressure because all eyes were on me. But over the years, I've realized the pressure is a privilege to have, it’s a good thing.” Wolf agrees. “It’s the tournament I look forward to the most every year,” he notes. “Win or lose, it’s the best place to compete. It’s my favorite thing to do in the world.”

J. J. WOLF

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THE GRAND COURTYARD A NEW FAN EXPERIENCE AREA AT THE WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN. - E L I Z A B E T H

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ome for the tennis, stay for the fun. At the Western & Southern Open, fans from throughout the Cincinnati region and around the world gather to enjoy the on-court spectacle and the food, drinks and fun at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. For die-hard tennis fans and casual, entertainment seekers alike, the tournament has an array of on-site experiences for all to enjoy. This year, WS&O is kicking it up a notch with even more to offer fans. “Our fans spend an average of six hours on-site per day during the tournament,” says Katie Haas, CEO of the Western & Southern Open. “With that in mind, we’re adding more entertainment and opportunities for fun in addition to world-class tennis.” New this year, fans are invited to visit the Grand Courtyard, located to the southwest of Grandstand Court. This revamped area will be the go-to spot for fans of all ages, featuring outdoor lounge seating, interactive entertainment experiences and a full line-up of programming. Here’s a taste of what fans can expect at the Grand Courtyard.

KICK BACK AND RELAX The Grand Courtyard’s vibe is laid-back and fun. With ample greenspace and a variety of lounge and seating options, this is the place to chill out and spend time with friends to break up your time on-site. Relax in Adirondack chairs as you watch the latest match action on the big screen, or snag a table to take in all the energy and excitement surrounding you.

COURTYARD CONVERSATIONS After player interactions with fans were limited in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, the intimate access to players that fans have come to love and expect is back in 2022. This year, players will not only be available for autographs and selfies, they’ll also be making special appearances at the Grand Courtyard stage for the “Courtyard Conversations” series. Join tennis personality Blair Henley at the stage each day to hear from different tennis stars in these personal Q&A sessions. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know the players and get the inside scoop on what’s happening on and off the court.

DO IT FOR THE ‘GRAM The tournament site is filled with Instagrammable moments, from the champagne clinks to the break point fist pumps. The Grand Courtyard sets the perfect backdrop for your best looks at this “see, and be seen” event. Snap a photo immediately upon entering the Grand Courtyard next to the giant CINCY tennis letters or strike a pose like you’re a champion in front of a fun photo backdrop. Don’t forget to use #CincyTennis in your posts throughout the tournament! MAKE YOUR MARK Grab a paintbrush and be part of a new tournament tradition: the 2022 Western & Southern Open mural, in partnership with ArtWorks. This paint-by-number feature, created by youth apprentices from throughout the Cincinnati region, allows fans to paint a section at a time to see the mural come to life throughout the tournament. By the end of the week, a new piece of tournament-inspired artwork, created by the fans, will be on display to celebrate the community and vibe at the Western & Southern Open.

72 WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN 2022

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BEAT THE HEAT Take a break from the sun in the Grand Courtyard in one of several shaded spots or cool off with a refreshing beverage or a cup of Graeter’s ice cream. A pop-up bar is the centerpiece of the space, surrounded by umbrella seating and a shaded gathering area. Separate from the hustle and bustle of the food court, the Grand Courtyard is the perfect place to have a good time without breaking a sweat. TEST YOUR SKILLS Grab a racquet and put your skills to the test with a series of tennis challenges hosted by USTA Midwest. Try your hand at hitting pre-set targets with your forehand shot or see if you have what it takes to volley like the pros. If a paddle is more your speed instead of a racquet, snag a spot at a ping pong table for some miniature tennis action. A NEW EXPERIENCE EACH DAY Throughout the tournament, a variety of unique programming will take place in the Grand Courtyard, ranging from giveaways and sampling opportunities to interactive activities and special guest appearances. Every day’s experience will be different, giving fans a reason to continue coming back to see what’s new and exciting. Check the Western & Southern Open official mobile app and on-site signage each day to see what’s scheduled during your visit.

74 WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN 2022

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Players to Watch

KEEP AN EYE ON THESE RISING STARS DURING THIS YEAR'S TOURNAMENT. — P E T E

IGA SWIATEK Iga Swiatek appears to be gliding along the tennis waters in 2022. The 21-year-old ascended to No. 1 in the WTA Rankings in early April, rising to the top spot with a 17-match winning streak. She played four WTA 1000 tournaments through May and took home the title from all four. Working with full-time performance psychologist Daria Abramowicz has helped Poland’s Swiatek take full control of game. She will come to Cincinnati looking to build on an incredible first half of the year to perhaps complete one of the greatest seasons in WTA history.

HOLT ERM A NN

JESSICA PEGULA Getting to the quarterfinals or better is almost standard operating procedure for Jessica Pegula when she takes the court at a Grand Slam or WTA 1000 these days, which gives reason to believe that lifting a trophy cannot be far off. Perhaps she's comfortable on the biggest stages thanks to her family’s ownership of the NFL’s Bills and NHL’s Sabres. The 28-year-old saw injuries interrupt her progress early in her career. However, Pegula has seen a steady ranking rise following a 2017 hip operation, thanks to her consistent results.

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CARLOS ALCARAZ Before his 19th birthday on May 5, Carlos Alcaraz had announced himself with a remarkable early season, winning three titles. And he was just getting started. The day after his birthday, he beat Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals of Madrid, then bested World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the semifinals before lifting the trophy at the end of the week. Alcaraz will look to join fellow Spaniards Nadal (2013) and Carlos Moya (2002) in winning the Western & Southern Open as he also looks to equal those countrymen in reaching No. 1 in the rankings.

REILLY OPELKA On Twitter, Reilly Opelka's not shy about sharing his opinions. Offline, he’s likely to be found visiting art galleries around the world. All of which can distract from the fact that 24-year-old American is playing some of the best tennis of his career. He owns a pair of titles this season and four in his career. Last summer, he reached the final in Toronto, his best big tournament result to date. That came one year after his Western & Southern Open quarterfinal. It’s not just because of his height that big things are expected from Opelka on the U.S. hard courts.

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*All numbers are from the 2021 Western & Southern Open Wrap Up Report

BY THE NUMBERS 47 Nations

156,098

REPRESENTED

AMONG PLAYERS

4,659

in attendance

coneys sold

7,657

slices of pizza consumed

TWENTy-SIX 20,369 scoops of ice cream enjoyed

8,894

musical acts

FORTy-ONE hours of musical entertainment

corporate partners

61,536

states hours of donated volunteers time by call home volunteers

213 4,882 480

matches

SOUVENIR CUPS WITH ICE SOLD

games

sets

ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FOUR

VOLUNTEERS

1,598

RACQUETS STRUNG

countries volunteers call home

volunteer committees

THIRTEEN food vendors

THREE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE cold brew coffees drank

FOUR THOUSAND THIRTY-EIGHT TENNIS BALLS USED

82 WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN 2022

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