The Western and Southern Open which was played at Mason, Cincinnati will continue to be held there, as the city successfully overcame a bid from Charlotte, North Carolina to stage the tournament. In that case, the tournament would have moved to the Tar Heel State in 2025.
The event has been held in Cincinnati since 1899 and is the country’s longest-running tennis tournament. It is one of the few events in the tennis calendar to hold the men’s and women’s events together. The current two champions of the tournament are Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff, and it was through them the decision was announced.
In the advertisement, Novak Djokovic acknowledges the fact that nearly 200,000 fans thronged to the stadium to watch the matches, and it energized the atmosphere. He also adds that approximately $200 million has been planned to be invested towards better infrastructure and improve the tournament’s stature. Novak concludes by saying that he is eager to get to his 4th title at Cincinnati next year.
Our 2023 champions have some exciting news…@wta @atptour @usta @itftennis pic.twitter.com/g8i7nTGgik
— Western & Southern Open (@CincyTennis) October 10, 2023
Coco, on her part, vouches that the 125th edition of the tournament going to be held in 2024, will be better than ever before. She further states that, from 2025, the tournament will be organized for two weeks, thus promising more exciting tennis for the viewers. Gauff beams that Cincinnati will always be special to her, and she is looking forward to defending her first WTA1000 title on tour.
The rationale behind the non-materialization of shifting the Cincinnati Open to Charlotte
The decision was made by Ben Navarro, the founder of Beemok Capital, the company on which the whole process of shifting, hinged. He acknowledged the fact that “The leaders in Charlotte and the state have been incredible partners as we’ve evaluated our options…” He added that it was a difficult decision for them and that, they hugely appreciate the resources being invested.
Ben Navarro statement: “The leaders in Charlotte and the state have been incredible partners as we’ve evaluated our options. This was a very difficult decision, and we are deeply appreciative of the time, energy and resources that were invested alongside us. We have strong ties…
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) October 10, 2023
Originally, the Charlotte City Council had sanctioned up to $65 million, so as to build a tennis stadium of stature and a complex, which would have been known as the River District. In fact, another $20 million was earmarked by the State lawmakers towards the realization of a $400-million complex.
However, the proposal was dependent upon convincing Beemok Capital to build the complex and make the move to Queen City by 2026. Beemok in their statement quoted, “The consistent escalation of costs to construct a facility of this scale proved to be too much.” But, they were quick to recognize the strong ties they have with Charlotte and will be open to aid the development of the community and local tennis.
{Credits – Cincinnati Enquirer, WKRC}
Charlotte City Council member Malcolm Graham has stated that, though the project concerning tennis hasn’t materialized, developmental work will continue in the area. Lamenting on the pace at which the community will grow without the impetus of the tennis tournament, Graham was quick to acknowledge, “It’s a lot cheaper to renovate an existing facility than move.”
