If you like sports, then the Western and Southern Financial Group Masters in Mason, Ohio is a can't miss event every summer. The men's tournament is easily one of the five biggest events on the ATP calendar each year, outside of the Grand Slam tournaments, and it attracts all of the biggest names in the game.
There is a Seniors event Friday and Saturday night prior to the main draw, which brings back some old time players who play to the crowd at Center Court with an array of trick shots. For the bigger tennis fans, this isn't something you get too excited about, because today's stars are waiting.
The event, held at the Linder Family Tennis Center in Mason, just north of Cincinnati, is my favorite thing every summer. This year, thee main draw runs from Monday, July 28 to Sunday, Aug. 3. Single session tickets for the Sunday finals are $46 each, and that's just for the terrace level. If you really want to get your money's worth, then mark your calendars for July 26-29.
The two-day Qualifier begins that Saturday, the 26th, and it is just $10 (kids are FREE!). Unlike a grand slam event which takes roughly 100 of the best players, only the top 44 players automatically make the main draw in Cincinnati. Therefore, you get one of the top qualifying fields, mixed with Top 50 players, rising young talent, and sometimes former highly-ranked players, all fighting for just eight spots.
Even better is that nearly every player is out practicing that weekend, save for the few still battling it out in Toronto. If you're lucky, the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick will have lost early in Canada and will make an early appearance in Cincinnati. You can stand just feet away from some of the top players as they prep for the Masters Series event. And if sweaty, shirtless guys is your thing (it's not my cup of tea), it's a great chance to take photos of tennis stars in action, as well as get autographs before and after the practice sessions.
While on tourney grounds, the players and coaches (and their families) can eat at the Champion's Club, which is connected to the north side of Center Court and the south end of the Grandstand. If they want to step out to watch a bit of the action on the Grandstand, there is set of shaded bleachers for them to sit. During the opening weekend anyone can sit there, so you can sit right next to some of your favorite players. Two years ago, former No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin sat right next to me during the Qualifier. Most of the other singles and doubles stars often drop by as well, although you will need a special pass to get up there during the week.
Monday and Tuesday of the main draw are Kids and Ladies' Day, respectively, but for me it's just the best two days of tennis all week. Tickets are $30 for adults, both day and night of the first two days, and there is nothing but tennis: three courts of primarily singles play, another mixed with singles and doubles, and six practice courts.
Personally, I get bored sitting on Center Court for an entire match watching some of the top players pound a lower-ranked opponent, especially when there is so much tennis around. I recommend heading over to Grandstand and Court 3 and get closer to the action and still see some great tennis.
Grandstand doesn't have the names like Federer, Roddick, and James Blake, but there is still plenty of talent on the court. There are usually great matches on Grandstand, and also the chance to see young talent. In 2004 and 2005, I saw Nadal and Djokovic make their Cincinnati debuts as virtually unknown players.
Court 3 is also neat because there are usually some of the lower seeds and unseeded former top talent playing. The walls aren't all that far back, so there isn't a bad seat in the house, especially if 6-foot-10 Ivo Karlovic is serving up aces. If a high-tempered player breaks his racquet, this is the best court to pick up a little souvenir. I got Xavier Malisse's racquet in 2006.
If you don't know tennis and some of its not-so-highly ranked players all that well, then you really can't go wrong sticking to the main stage, Center Court. Day and night the top players and top Americans will take to the showcase court. During the day, plenty of seats are available as fans are in and out of the different courts, shops, and eateries. At night, however, Center Court is usually filled close to its capacity, and the players don't disappoint.
As for the Women's Open (Aug. 9-17) give it a few years. Lindsay Davenport and Serena Williams have both played in the event, but for now it is just a Tier III event. This year it coincides with the Olympics, so don't expect big talent, but as early as 2009, however, the event may be bumped up to a Tier I and combined for a one-and-a-half week event with the Men's.
For now, don't miss a chance to head to Mason for the Men's event at the end of July. You'll surely hit an ace if you go. read more