Coco Gauff praised the Cincinnati Open’s renovations and the scene in Mason, Ohio, calling the improvements at the Lindner Family Tennis Center a sign of growing investment in American tennis. The 21-year-old spoke after advancing to the third round with a victory over China’s Xinyu Wang at the 2025 tournament.
“For me, it’s been great. The fan excitement is always the same,” Gauff said, after a second-round win that kept her on track for another deep run in Cincinnati. She added that she has stayed after practice for about 40 minutes signing autographs because of how thoughtful the fans are here.
Gauff highlighted the facility upgrades, especially the newly renovated locker rooms, calling them “great.” She emphasized that the upgrades, along with the overall investment in tennis in the United States, are meaningful for the sport’s growth stateside.
Another standout for Gauff has been the generous hospitality surrounding the event. She noted the unlimited food options, including free acai bowls and smoothies, as a highlight of the week so far.
Gauff’s next test at the Cincinnati Open comes in the round of 32, where she is set to face Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine on August 12. Gauff is no stranger to Cincinnati success, having captured the women’s singles title in 2023.
What this signals for fans and players is a strong push to elevate tournament experiences in major U.S. venues, potentially boosting attendance, engagement and performance as the summer hard-court season progresses. Gauff’s positive remarks about the venue and the fan base add to a growing sense that Cincinnati is not only a venue for results but also a community-centered tennis hub.
Summary of the moment: A grateful crowd, improved facilities, and a player who delights in the local support, all pointing to a bright, fan-friendly chapter for the Cincinnati Open as it continues to attract top talent.
Possible follow-up angle: If Gauff continues her run, watch how the upgraded facilities are leveraged by other contenders and whether the favorable fan environment translates into stronger on-court performances as the tour moves toward the U.S. Open.