Andre Agassi and Lindsay Davenport graced the Cincinnati Music Hall on Saturday, reminiscing about their illustrious careers and unveiling scholarships in their honor as part of the 125th anniversary celebration of tennis in Cincinnati.
The gala dinner transported guests back to 1899, the inaugural year of the Cincinnati tournament. Actors portrayed the era, while tributes honored champions from the Open Era and beyond.
Agassi and Davenport captivated the audience with their candid conversation moderated by Jon Wertheim. Their Hall of Fame journeys intertwined, from their world No. 1 rankings to their Olympic gold medals in 1996. In 2004, they triumphed together at the Cincinnati Open.
“Cincinnati was a tournament you always watched on TV,” said Davenport, who broke the women’s title drought in 1988. “I loved the facility and the history. It felt special to bring women’s tennis here.”
Since then, the Cincinnati Open has evolved into a prestigious 1000-level event, hosting tennis legends like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams. A $260 million investment and a 25-year deal will transform the Lindner Family Tennis Center, making the tournament a two-week spectacle from 2025 onwards.
“The crowd turnout was always fantastic,” recalled Agassi, who overcame Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt in thrilling three-setters in 2004. “The intensity and competition were palpable. I loved the atmosphere and the surface.”
Agassi and Davenport’s post-retirement paths have mirrored their playing careers. Agassi will lead Team World at the Laver Cup, while Davenport captains the U.S. Billie Jean King Cup team.
“I’m excited about the American players,” said Davenport. “This is their time to shine. We have a huge tournament here in the United States, and they appreciate the fan support.”
The evening culminated in the announcement of scholarships in Agassi and Davenport’s names. Four winners will receive $5,000 each annually to support after-school nutrition, math and literacy, and tennis instruction.
