The Cincinnati Open is a highly popular tennis event that serves as a significant indicator of potential contenders for the US Open later in the summer. Known for its entertaining matches, this tournament has seen some of the greatest players in the history of the sport emerge victorious in the Midwest region over the years.As we anticipate the 2024 edition of this renowned event, let’s take a look back at the five most accomplished male champions of the Open Era in Cincinnati. These exceptional athletes have left an indelible mark on the tournament’s history.
Roger Federer, an iconic figure in the world of tennis, stands as the greatest champion in the annals of Cincinnati. Throughout his illustrious career, he claimed an astonishing seven titles in the Midwest. In 2005, he secured his first victory by defeating the beloved home player and former champion Andy Roddick. Two years later, he triumphed over another American, James Blake, to claim the title in 2007. Federer went on to defeat Novak Djokovic in the 2009 final, followed by a back-to-back win against Mardy Fish in three sets. In 2012, he once again emerged victorious against Djokovic, and in 2014 and 2015, he conquered David Ferrer and Djokovic in the respective finals, bringing his total to seven titles. Federer also reached the final in 2018, showcasing his enduring excellence.
During the 1980s, Mats Wilander, a Swedish tennis star, showcased his brilliance by clinching the Cincinnati title four times within a span of six years. In 1983, he defeated the legendary John McEnroe to claim his first title, and the following year, he successfully defended his championship by prevailing over his compatriot Anders Jarryd. After a loss in the 1985 final against Boris Becker, Wilander rebounded by defeating Jimmy Connors in the 1986 final. In 1988, he emerged triumphant once again, this time against fellow Swede Stefan Edberg.
Pete Sampras, widely regarded as the most successful American ATP player in the Open Era, is a prominent figure on this list with three Cincinnati titles to his name. After a previous year’s defeat in the final, Sampras secured his first title in 1992 by defeating Ivan Lendl. Five years later, he triumphed over Thomas Muster to claim his second championship in 1997. In 1999, Sampras completed his trifecta by defeating Pat Rafter in the final.
Andre Agassi, another American great of the Open Era, matched Sampras’s record with three titles at the Masters 1000 event. In 1995, he defeated the two-time defending champion Michael Chang to secure his first title, and he repeated this feat by defeating Chang again in the 1996 final. Eight years later, Agassi captured his third and final Cincinnati title by battling past Lleyton Hewitt in a thrilling three-set match.
Novak Djokovic, a dominant force in modern tennis, had long pursued the Cincinnati title, which had eluded him despite numerous attempts. However, he finally achieved his goal in 2018 by defeating Federer in the final, having previously fallen to the Swiss maestro on three occasions. Two years later, during the event’s relocation to New York due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Djokovic emerged victorious once again, this time defeating Milos Raonic to claim his second title. As the reigning champion, Djokovic will hold this prestigious title for one more week, having triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz in an epic final last year.
In addition to Federer, Wilander, Sampras, Agassi, and Djokovic, there are several other players who have multiple Cincinnati Open titles in their trophy cabinets. Michael Chang, for instance, won consecutive championships in 1993 and 1994, while Stefan Edberg emerged victorious in 1987 and 1990, narrowly missing out on the title in 1988 and 1989. Andy Roddick is another notable champion, having claimed the title in 2003 and 2006. Furthermore, Andy Murray, who has since retired, defeated Djokovic in the 2008 and 2011 finals, while Harold Solomon was crowned champion in 1977 and 1980.
For tennis enthusiasts, the Cincinnati Open is an event that showcases the sport’s finest talents and provides a captivating spectacle year after year. As we eagerly await the 2024 edition, we can reflect on the remarkable achievements of these exceptional athletes who have left an indelible mark on the tournament’s rich history.
Photo from Roger Federer Instagram
