Black Players and Community Events at the Cincinnati Open
Each summer, the Cincinnati Open transforms the region into a hub for world-class tennis, drawing elite athletes, fans and families from around the globe. Alongside the competition, the tournament has become a platform for community engagement, offering youth programs, outreach initiatives and events designed to connect the sport with the people who call Greater Cincinnati home. As Black players take their place on the courts this year, their presence is part of a broader tournament story that includes efforts to expand access, celebrate diversity and strengthen ties between one of tennis’s premier events and the community surrounding it.
The 2026 tournament will begin with qualifying matches on Tuesday, August 11 and finish with both singles finals on August 23.
Find tickets to the Cincinnati Open
Black Players Competing in the Cincinnati Open
Black players have been part of the Cincinnati Open’s history for decades, contributing memorable performances and reflecting the growing diversity of a sport that continues to evolve on and off the court.
WTA
Coco Gauff
USA
Singles Rank: 4
Doubles Rank: 63
Birth City: Delray Beach, Fl. USA
Naomi Osaka
Japan
Singles Rank: 13
Birth City: Osaka, Japan
Alycia Parks
USA
Singles Rank: 70
Doubles Rank: 210
Birth City: Atlanta, GA, USA
ATP
Felix Auger-Aliassime
Canada
Singles Rank: 4
Birth city: Montreal, Canada
Ben Shelton
USA
Singles Rank: 6
Birth City: Atlanta, GA, USA
Frances Tiafoe
USA
Singles Rank: 17
Birth City: Hyattsville, MD, USA
Arthur Fils
France
Singles Rank: 23
Birth City: Bondoufle, France
Cincinnati Open Events
Cincinnati Open offers a range of Black musicians, community events and outreach programs that bring local residents, young players and tennis fans closer to the tournament experience.
Community Weekend – Kids Day
August 8
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$17.60
Interactive on-court experiences for the youngest fans as well as plenty to do on the grounds. Activities include a scavenger hunt, tennis drills, autograph sessions with the pros, face painting, balloon artists, live music and more. Watch player practices and explore the tournament grounds all day.
Nasty Nati Brass Band
August 8
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Red Bull BassLine
August 8
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Starting at $46.41
Grandstand Court
Tennis like you have never experienced before – it’s energizing, loud and interactive! It’ll be the only place to witness six of the world’s best playing against each other in a quick-fire tournament to the beat of a live, on-court DJ. Tickets for Red Bull BassLine also grant you access to the grounds all-day Saturday, August 8.
Cincinnati Open 5K
August 9
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
$44.10
A fun run for runners of all levels to traverse the transformed 40-acre tournament venue. The 5K is open to all ages and running paces and will end with a post-race concert and party, inclusive of Playa Bowls, coffee and a drink ticket. A 5K registration also grants access to the Cincinnati Open grounds all day Sunday, and registrants receive an exclusive 5K t-shirt and medal.
Community Weekend – All Access Sunday
August 9
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$17.60
Featuring autograph sessions and player meet-and-greets than ever before plus face painting, balloon artists, live music and entertainment. Watch your favorite players practice and enjoy all the food and drink options the tournament has to offer! Plus, take advantage of an exclusive Center Court photo opportunity.
Tracy Walker
August 10
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Preston Charles III
August 11
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
Mandy Gaines Duo
August 11
11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Tracy Walker
August 11
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Preston Charles III
August 12
11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
The Commons Stage
2nd Wind Band
August 12
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Mandy Gaines Duo
August 13
11:30 am – 1 p.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
Preston Charles III
August 13
11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Tracy Walker
August 13
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Kelli Campbell
August 13
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
DJ Pillo
August 13
8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Mandy Gaines Duo
August 14
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
Preston Charles III
August 14
11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Al West and Greg Chako
August 14
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Commons Stage
DJ Monet
August 14
5:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
Elijah Williams
August 15
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Commons Stage
DJ Vader
August 15
5:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
Mr Keith Little
August 15
8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Elijah Williams
August 16
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Commons Stage
DJ Queen Celine
August 16
5:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
Elijah Williams
August 17
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Elijah Williams
The Commons Stage
August 18
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
DJ Pillo
August 19
5:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
Groove Masters
August 19
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Commons Stage
DJ Monet
August 19
8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Carole Walker
August 20
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
DJ Vader
August 20
8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Carole Walker
August 21
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
Kelli Campbell
August 21
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
DJ Apryl Reign
August 21
5:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
Vince & the Fellas Motown Revue
August 21
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Commons Stage
DJ Queen Celine
August 21
8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Carole Walker
August 22
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
DJ Pillo
August 22
8:30 pm – 10 p.m.
The Commons Stage
Myles Twitty Quintet
The Commons Stage
Sunday, Aug 23
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Erwin Stuckey
August 23
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Kroger Indoor Fan Zone
Cincinnati Open Venue Details
Accessibility
Accessible parking is available to those with a disability placard. Place the placard on your rear view mirror and parking attendants will direct you to the appropriate lot. Shuttles are available from public parking lots to gate entrances. If you are in need of ADA seating, please let us know when you are placing your ticket order and we will do our best to accommodate the request.
Parking
The Cincinnati Open offers free, public parking in designated lots to all attendees. Attendees should follow the posted signage and direction from parking attendants upon arrival. Shuttles are available from public parking lots to gate entrances.
Parking in the North, South, East and Diamond Lots is only accessible by parking pass.
Prohibited Items
For a complete list of prohibited items click here.
Cincinnati Open Schedule
Please note the tournament schedule is subject to change. Timing for the 2026 finals matches and the complete match schedule will be announced at a later date.
*Session, start time and round of play subject to change without warning. Note: Day session tickets are not accepted after 5pm, night session tickets are not accepted before 5pm.
Tuesday, August 11
Session 1: Day
Start Time: 10:30 a.m.
Qualifying
Wednesday, August 12
Session 2: Day
Start Time: 11 a.m.
Qualifying
Thursday, August 13
Session 3: Day
Start Time: 11 a.m.
First Round
Session 4: Night
Start Time: 7 p.m.
First Round
Friday, August 14
Session 5: Day
Start Time: 11 a.m.
First Round
Session 6: Night
Start Time: 7 p.m.
First Round
Saturday, August 15
Session 7: Day
Start Time: 11 a.m.
First Round, Second Round
Session 8: Night
Start Time: 7 p.m.
Second Round
Sunday, August 16
Session 9: Day
Start Time: 11 a.m.
Second Round
Session 10: Night
Start Time: 7 p.m.
Second Round
Monday, August 17
Session 11: Day
Start Time: 11 a.m.
Third Round
Session 12: Night
Start Time: 7 p.m.
Third Round
Tuesday, August 18
Session 13: Day
Start Time: 11 a.m.
Third Round
Session 14: Night
Start Time: 7 p.m.
Third Round
Wednesday, August 19
Session 15: Day
Start Time: 11 a.m.
Round of 16
Session 16: Night
Start Time: 7 p.m.
Round of 16
Thursday, August. 20
Session 17: Day
Start Time: 11 a.m.
Quarterfinals
Session 18: Night
Start Time: 7 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Friday, August 21
Session 19: Day
Start Time: 11 a.m.
Quarterfinals
Session 20: Night
Start Time: 7 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Saturday, August 22
Session 21: Day
Start Time: 11 a.m.
Semifinals
Session 22: Night
Start Time: 6 p.m.
Semifinals
Sunday, August 23
Session 23: Day
Start Time: 2 p.m.
Finals
About the Cincinnati Open
Founded in 1899, the Cincinnati Open is an ATP Masters 1000 and a WTA 1000 tournament that is proudly supported by cornerstone partners Western & Southern Financial Group, Credit One Bank, Procter & Gamble, Great American Insurance Company, Fifth Third, and Kroger. The Cincinnati Open has most recently welcomed over 285,000 fans from all 50 states and 65 countries, and has been viewed in 187 global markets. With a focus on community, the tournament annually contributes to local charities supporting youth, families, education, health, and wellness initiatives.
Wikipedia | Website | Facebook | Instagram
About Lindner Family Tennis Center
The Lindner Family Tennis Center, located in Mason, Ohio, has been this tournament’s home since 1979. The ninth location in Cincinnati to host the tournament, the venue boasts 31 courts, including a 11,614-seat Center Court. Five additional permanent stadiums – Grandstand, Champions Court, Stadium 3 and Court 10 – are among the facility’s nine match courts. The Lindner Family Tennis Center was the first venue in tennis outside of the venues for the four Grand Slams with more than two permanent stadiums.
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Black Players and Community Events images and content provide by Cincinnati Open and Jeff Dean
