The 2026 Cincinnati Open: A Cincy Tradition

The Cincinnati Open is a combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tennis tournament held annually in Mason, Ohio - just north of Cincinnati. Featuring the sport's top-ranked men's and women's players, the Cincinnati Open is among the world's most prestigious and historic tournaments, dating back to 1899. While the tournament is steeped in decades of history, last year's event ushered in a new era. In 2025, the Cincinnati Open featured extensive campus renovations ($260 million worth!), a longer tournament with two full weeks of action, and an elevated fan experience for all. Even further, last year's event set an attendance record of 285,571 fans and earned both ATP and WTA 1000-level Tournament of the Year honors.

If this is your first time attending, here's what you can expect in 2026. 

Tournament Timeline

While the Cincinnati Open runs from August 8 - 23, there are some key dates to keep in mind.

Community Weekend kicks things off from August 8 - 9, ahead of the start of competitive tournament play. Qualifying matches take place August 11 - 12, followed by the 96-player singles main draws beginning August 13. Both the ATP and WTA singles finals will fall on Sunday, August 23. 

In 2026, both the ATP and WTA singles draws include 96 players. This expanded field means the Cincinnati Open is an event alongside the likes of elite tournaments like Indian Wells, Miami and Madrid. What does that mean? More matches, more opportunities to watch international stars, discover rising players, and more time to soak in the extensive upgrades on a renovated campus. 

Star Power – Familiar Faces in 2026

An impressive collection of the world's top tennis players will be making the journey to Cincy, making the 2026 roster a star-studded list of familiar faces. 

• World Champions: Aryna Sabalenka is a top contender for 2026, having won the Cincinnati Open in 2024. Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek enter as the defending champions from 2025. 
• Past Champions: Ten previous Cincinnati Open singles champions will be playing in this year's tournament, including: Novak Djokovic (2023), Coco Gauff (2023), Alexander Zverev (2021), Madison Keys (2019), and others.
• Legendary Appearances: Serena and Venus Williams will be teaming up and playing as doubles, with Venus also set to play in the singles tournament. 

Check out the full roster of athletes competing here.

Some Quick Numbers: 

Need a better idea of who will be playing this year? Here's some quick numbers. 

• Players from 31 different countries

• Forty-three players who have already won a title this 

• Ten past Cincinnati Open champions, 15 Grand Slam champions and eight former world No. 1's

Campus Transformation: Now Complete

In 2025 the Cincinnati Open unveiled a $260 million campus transformation. The redevelopment doubled the venue's footprint and created a 40-acre, park-like setting that improved both the fan and player experience. 

What you can expect:

• A new, sunken “Champions Court”

  • That’s right – a brand new, sunken stadium – officially dubbed the “Champions Court”, with seating capacity of 2,000.

• Thirty-one permanent tennis courts

  • ​Also notable is the addition of indoor tennis facilities, pickleball and padel courts. This gives the tournament significantly more room to host players, practices and events. 

• New Fan Pavilion/Amenities

  • Sit back, relax, and soak up the vibes at a permanent pavilion featuring a massive video screen, entertainment and interactive experiences. The Commons is another gathering space, providing a shaded area with live music and 13 local restaurant storefronts. 

• New Player Clubhouse

  • A 56,000 square foot, two-story Clubhouse featuring lounges, restaurants/dining options, wellness and recovery areas, coach locker rooms, and fitness facilities. This new center joins the existing Performance Center, which has also undergone significant renovations.

• Less asphalt and concrete – more greenery!

  • The entire campus has been transformed into a park-like oasis, with extensive landscaping improvements. This will help keep spectators cool in between matches.

• More Parking

  • The fans spoke and the developers listened! Fans can enjoy more parking, located just north of campus.

New to 2026

The biggest transformations may have debuted in 2025, but the Cincinnati Open still has more improvements in store for 2026. 

One of the biggest additions is the Kroger Indoor Fan Zone, an air-conditioned entertainment and gathering space featuring live Q&A's with players, special guest and musical appearances, draw ceremonies, a gaming lounge and an indoor court for practices, demonstrations and clinics. 

Fans can look forward to more than 80 live musical performances, the family-friendly Prasco Kids Zone, expanded shopping and retail, new food and beverage options, and additional opportunities for player interaction throughout the duration of the tournament. 

Campus FAQ's and Need-to-Knows

First time visiting the Lindner Family Tennis Center? We've got you covered. Whether you're coming for a single session, a full day, or multiple - here's your need-to-knows. 

Dining

You'll have AMPLE options to choose from - ranging from casual to elevated. If you're in the mood to try something truly Cincy, check out Graeter's, LaRosa's, or - of course - Skyline Chili. Other options include 50 West, Alfio's Buon Cibo, Mazunte and even Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse. 

Check out the full concessions offerings here.

Parking

Each ticket includes free public parking. Upon entering, an attendant will assist you as to where to park. Parking upgrades are available at an additional cost. 

Bag Policy

To ensure the safety of all attendants, the Tennis Center does observe a bag policy that is enforced at the gates. Backpacks (with multiple compartments and multiple shoulder straps) are not allowed. All bags are subject to a search/screening upon arrival. 

Guests MAY bring single-compartment tote or cinch bags measuring 12" x 18" x 15" or smaller, providing the bag can fit on your lap or underneath your seat. Single-strap diaper bags are permitted when accompanied by a child. 

A few other important notes: 

• You may bring one unopened, see-through plastic bottle of water up to 33.5 ounces (1 liter). Alternatively, you may bring one empty reusable water bottle of the same size. It gets very hot during the Cincinnati Open, so we recommend taking advantage of this and staying hydrated!
• Outside food is generally not permitted, unless for medical or infant purposes. 
• Coolers, ice chests, picnic baskets and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. 
• Tennis racquets are not permitted inside the tournament grounds. 
• Personal cameras and recording devices larger than 4"x14"x8" are prohibited without a media credential. 
• Smoking and vaping are NOT permitted on the grounds, except in designated areas outside the complex. 
• Re-entry is permitted after guests complete the required exit scan.
• This is a cashless event, so be prepared accordingly.
• While Center Court and portions of Grandstand Court have reserved seating, your ticket gives you access to numerous outside courts. Download the Cincinnati Open mobile app ahead of time to plan your day. 

Any additional questions? Check out the venue's official FAQ list. 

About the Area

The Lindner Family Tennis Center is located in Mason, Ohio – about 30 minutes northeast of downtown Cincinnati. The city of Mason, especially near the Tennis Center, has many options for drinking, dining and lodging.

Plan your visit to the Cincy Region now!

Other Local Events

Experience all the Cincy Region has to offer during your trip by checking out one of these local events happening between August 8 - 23. Cheer on the Reds at Great American Ball Park, or FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Check out some free, live music at Fountain Square or Smale Park - including a free performance by Kenny Lattimore during the 38th Annual Black Family Reunion. Indulge in something delicious at the Great Inland Seafood Festival, or attend either the 2026 Bengals Training Camp on Sunday, August 16 or preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Satruday, August 22. 

For a full list of things to do - visit our calendar of events.