Berrettini Favored to Overcome Rune's Variety in Cincinnati Clash

Berrettini Favored to Overcome Rune’s Variety in Cincinnati Clash

Matteo Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist, will face off against Holger Rune at the Cincinnati Open on Wednesday. This intriguing clash of styles promises to be a captivating spectacle.

Berrettini, known for his straightforward approach, relies on his powerful serve and forehand to dominate his opponents. His 92% hold percentage over the past year is a testament to his exceptional serving prowess. Rune, on the other hand, is a player of immense variety, often experimenting with different shots and tactics.

Despite Rune’s versatility, Berrettini’s consistency and experience should give him an edge in this matchup. Berrettini’s serve is a formidable weapon, and Rune’s low break percentage of 17.9% this season suggests he may struggle to break Berrettini’s serve consistently.

Furthermore, Berrettini’s return game is slightly superior to Rune’s, and Rune’s holding percentage on hard courts is a modest 82.4%. The quicker conditions in Cincinnati may also limit Rune’s ability to exploit his variety, as Berrettini prefers shorter points.

Rune’s recent record against Top 10 opponents is also a concern. Despite Berrettini’s current ranking of No. 42, his 2024 performances have been comparable to his form in 2021 and 2022, when he was ranked as high as No. 6.

Overall, Berrettini’s consistency, experience, and suitability to the Cincinnati conditions make him the favorite in this matchup. A potential third-round meeting with Carlos Alcaraz would be a fascinating test of Berrettini’s credentials as a contender for the 2024 US Open title.

Cincinnati Open Inspires Top 10 Travel Itinerary for Ohio's Hidden Gems

Cincinnati Open Inspires Top 10 Travel Itinerary for Ohio’s Hidden Gems

Cincinnati, Ohio, is hosting the latest edition of the combined Cincinnati Open, the last 1000-level tournament before the fourth quarter of the season. This top-tiered event has inspired a travel itinerary from resident reporters, highlighting the city’s hidden gems and must-visit attractions.

1. Graeter’s Ice Cream: Indulge in the sweet treats of Graeter’s Ice Cream, a family-run business that has been satisfying Cincinnatians for generations. Try their August flavor of the month, Key Lime Pie, or their classic favorites like Butter Brickle and Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip.

2. Shake It Records: Step into the funky world of Shake It Records, a vinyl haven with over 25,000 titles and 15,000 CDs. Browse their extensive collection of DVDs, books, and artist memorabilia for a nostalgic blast from the past.

3. Lucky Cat Museum: Instead of traveling to Japan, visit the Lucky Cat Museum in Cincinnati, where over 2,000 figurines await you. Explore the mythical beliefs surrounding these lucky cats, from wealth accumulation to attraction.

4. Mushroom House: Marvel at the architectural wonder of the Mushroom House, a one-bedroom home inspired by the Smurfs. This unique structure is a cherished landmark in the Hyde Park neighborhood.

5. Skyline Chili 3-Way: Experience the iconic Cincinnati chili at Skyline Chili, a local institution since 1949. Try their Cheese Coneys and 3-Ways for an authentic taste of the city’s culinary heritage.

6. Cincinnati Union Terminal: Discover the award-winning Cincinnati Union Terminal, home to the Cincinnati Museum Center. Explore science and history exhibits, admire art installations, and attend limited-time events.

7. Mita’s: Savor the flavors of Latin cuisine at Mita’s, a James Beard nominee. Enjoy tapas, family-style plates, and a Spanish wine program in a relaxed and upscale setting.

8. Urbana Cafe: Sip on quality coffee at Urbana Cafe, a local favorite with six locations throughout Cincinnati. Choose from a variety of coffee subscriptions, signature blends, and brewing tips.

9. Cincinnati Art Museum: Immerse yourself in art at the Cincinnati Art Museum, one of the oldest art institutions in the country. Explore over 73,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years of human history.

10. Great American Ball Park: Catch a baseball game at Great American Ball Park, one of Major League Baseball’s most fan-friendly stadiums. Cheer on the Cincinnati Reds, enjoy the Family Zone, or host an event in this iconic venue.

Naomi Osaka's Cincinnati Open Hopes Dashed in Qualifying

Naomi Osaka’s Cincinnati Open Hopes Dashed in Qualifying

Naomi Osaka’s recent struggles continued in the Midwest, culminating in a disappointing exit from the Cincinnati Open qualifying tournament. The former world No. 1’s woes began even before she arrived in Mason, Ohio, when United Airlines lost her luggage, threatening her participation in the event.

Despite the setback, Osaka remained optimistic, expressing her eagerness to compete in Cincinnati and prepare for the upcoming US Open. However, her ranking of No. 95 meant she was not automatically eligible for the main draw and had to play qualifying.

In her first qualifying match, Osaka faced Anna Blinkova and emerged victorious in three sets. The win set up a clash with American Ashlyn Krueger, who ultimately proved too strong for the Japanese star. Osaka led 3-1 in the final set but faltered, losing the last five games to bow out of the tournament.

Osaka’s defeat in Cincinnati highlights her ongoing struggles since returning from maternity leave in 2024. She has repeatedly cited the US Open as her target for a resurgence, but her recent performances have been underwhelming.

Despite her setbacks, Osaka remains a formidable opponent, as evidenced by her victory over Iga Swiatek at the French Open. Her “US Open or bust” mentality could provide the motivation she needs to rediscover her best form in time for the season’s final Grand Slam.

Swiatek Tempers Expectations Ahead of Cincinnati Open

Swiatek Tempers Expectations Ahead of Cincinnati Open

Iga Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, is approaching her first hard-court match since March with a cautious mindset. Despite being the favorite at most tournaments, Swiatek is tempering expectations ahead of the Cincinnati Open.

Swiatek last played on hard courts at the Miami Open, where she lost in the fourth round. She is aware of the faster conditions in Cincinnati due to the switch back to Regular Duty Wilson tennis balls. These balls are lighter and lose their heaviness more quickly than the Heavy Duty balls used last year.

Swiatek acknowledges the need to adjust to the new surface and balls. She plans to treat the tournament as a practice opportunity, focusing on implementing her training and making gradual progress.

Despite her recent success on clay, Swiatek is determined to rediscover her hard-court form. She believes the lower expectations in Cincinnati could provide her with the space to do so.

Swiatek’s decision to skip the National Bank Open in Toronto was motivated by fatigue from the Paris Olympics. She won a bronze medal in singles after a disappointing semifinal loss.

After supporting her fellow athletes at the Games, Swiatek feels refreshed and ready for the final stretch of the season. She is not expecting a break and is focused on maintaining her technique and grinding on court.

Swiatek’s cautious approach and determination to improve suggest that she is not taking her status as the favorite for granted. She is willing to work hard and make adjustments to achieve her goals on hard courts.

Carlos Alcaraz: No Olympic Tattoo, But Plenty of Motivation

Carlos Alcaraz: No Olympic Tattoo, But Plenty of Motivation

Carlos Alcaraz, the former world No. 1, has enjoyed a remarkable summer, capturing back-to-back Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. However, despite his recent success, Alcaraz remains humble and focused on improvement.

In a recent press conference, Alcaraz revealed that he keeps his Olympic silver medal close to his Wimbledon and Roland Garros trophies at home. While he is proud of his achievement, he admits that he would have preferred a gold medal.

“I didn’t get the gold, so I’m not considering a tattoo,” Alcaraz said with a laugh. “If I had won the gold medal, I would have gotten a tattoo.”

Despite his disappointment in Paris, Alcaraz is determined to learn from his experience and improve his game.

“I always want to be better, and I always think I can do better,” he said. “I think I had a great summer…obviously I wanted the gold medal. After the matches I win or lose, I like to find the bad things I did and try to be better in the next match and not make the same mistakes.”

Alcaraz also shared his experience playing doubles with Rafael Nadal in Paris.

“It was a great experience, talking with Rafa off the court, knowing each other much better off the court,” Alcaraz said. “Playing doubles together was great, something I will never forget, for sure. I learned a lot talking to him, on court and off the court, as well.”

Alcaraz is now preparing for the Cincinnati Open, where he is the No. 2 seed. He will open against either Gaël Monfils or Alexei Popyrin.

Cincinnati Open Preview: Alcaraz, Swiatek Aim for Redemption

Cincinnati Open Preview: Alcaraz, Swiatek Aim for Redemption

The Cincinnati Open, the final major tune-up before the US Open, is set to commence despite a challenging start to the North American hard-court swing. Rain disruptions and player withdrawals have plagued recent tournaments in Montreal and Toronto, but Cincinnati appears poised for a more favorable outcome.

With defending champion Novak Djokovic sidelined, the spotlight falls on Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, who will be eager to rebound from disappointing Olympic performances. Alcaraz, who pushed Djokovic to the brink in last year’s Cincinnati final, will face a less formidable path this time around. Swiatek, despite a potential quarterfinal clash with Jasmine Paolini, remains a heavy favorite.

Several top players, including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Daniil Medvedev, will be looking to end title droughts. Sinner, once dominant, has struggled with injuries and form, while Gauff has endured a disappointing summer. Sabalenka and Medvedev, both former major champions, have also been off their best.

The draws for the top seeds appear relatively favorable, with potential semifinals between Alcaraz and Sinner on the men’s side and Sabalenka and Swiatek on the women’s side. However, dark horses such as Paula Badosa, Andrey Rublev, and Hubert Hurkacz could pose threats.

Among the early-round matches to watch are Zhizhen Zhang vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Karen Khachanov vs. Francisco Cerundolo, and Frances Tiafoe vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Served with Andy Roddick: Live from Cincinnati, Exploring Tennis's Future

Served with Andy Roddick: Live from Cincinnati, Exploring Tennis’s Future

Served with Andy Roddick: A Live Episode from Cincinnati

In the latest episode of the “Served with Andy Roddick” podcast, recorded live from the Cincinnati Open, Roddick welcomed special guests Matteo Berrettini and Bob Moran to discuss the tournament’s legacy and the future of tennis.

Berrettini, who has won three tour titles in 2024 despite facing injuries, shared his perspective on overcoming setbacks. “I’ve always considered myself as someone who was good at coming back,” he said. He also spoke about the rise of young Italian players like Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti, expressing pride in their accomplishments.

Roddick questioned Berrettini about his experience filming “Break Point,” the Netflix series that followed players behind the scenes. Berrettini admitted to being excited about the opportunity but hesitated when asked if he would do it again.

Bob Moran, the man responsible for keeping Cincinnati as a tournament site, emphasized the city’s passion for sports. He announced an expansion of the draw from 56 to 96 players, increasing the tournament’s scale and fan engagement.

Roddick praised Cincinnati’s unique atmosphere, saying, “The passion I felt in Cincinnati was unmatched anywhere else I went.” He highlighted the practice areas as a special aspect of the tournament.

The episode concluded with a Q&A session with fans, covering topics such as the future of tennis and potential breakthroughs among players ranked 11 to 30.

Tennis analyst Jon Wertheim expressed his interest in the sport’s direction, emphasizing the need to maximize its virtues. “Tennis is a wonderful sport,” he said. “It’s men, it’s women, it travels all around the world, it’s guys that are 21 and guys that are 37.”

Naomi Osaka to Play WTA Qualifying for First Time in Six Years

Naomi Osaka to Play WTA Qualifying for First Time in Six Years

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, is set to make a rare appearance in a WTA qualifying match this weekend at the Cincinnati Open. The former world No. 1, who is currently ranked No. 95, will face Anna Blinkova on Sunday in an attempt to secure a spot in the main draw of the WTA 1000 event.

Osaka’s return to qualifying marks a significant milestone in her comeback season after her 2023 maternity leave. The 26-year-old has been steadily climbing the rankings since her return in January, when she was ranked No. 833.

The main-draw cut-off for direct entry into the tournament was world No. 49 Viktoriya Tomova of Bulgaria. However, Osaka’s determination to regain her former glory is evident in her willingness to play through qualifying.

Should Osaka defeat Blinkova, she will face either her compatriot Moyuka Uchijima or 20-year-old American Ashlyn Krueger for a place in the main draw. Osaka last played qualifying in Doha in 2018, seven months before winning her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open.

Osaka’s journey back to the top of the game has been marked by both challenges and resilience. Despite suffering some tough losses, she remains committed to her goal. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get back to where I feel like I deserve to be,” she said.

The Cincinnati Open features a star-studded field, including world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. Defending champion Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini, and Jessica Pegula are also among the top seeds.

Osaka’s performance in Cincinnati will be closely watched as she continues her quest to regain her status as one of the world’s best tennis players.

Naomi Osaka's Luggage Mishap Resolved, Cincinnati Open Participation Secured

Naomi Osaka’s Luggage Mishap Resolved, Cincinnati Open Participation Secured

Naomi Osaka’s preparations for the US Open hit a snag when United Airlines misplaced her luggage, threatening her participation in the Cincinnati Open. The four-time Grand Slam champion took to social media to express her concern, tagging the airline and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

United Airlines promptly responded, promising assistance. Within three hours, the airline confirmed that Osaka’s bags had been located. The tournament’s transportation team then retrieved the luggage, and Osaka announced its recovery on Saturday morning.

Osaka’s luggage contained essential gear for her US Open preparations. She is scheduled to play in the main draw of the WTA 1000 tournament in Mason, Ohio, which begins Tuesday. Osaka reached the quarterfinals in Cincinnati in 2019 and won the event in 2020, albeit at a different venue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cincinnati Open is a crucial tournament for Osaka as she aims to regain her form ahead of the US Open. She suffered a second-round loss to Elise Mertens in Toronto and will be eager to bounce back in Cincinnati.

Osaka’s luggage mishap highlights the importance of efficient baggage handling for athletes traveling to tournaments. Lost or delayed luggage can disrupt training schedules and affect performance. United Airlines’ prompt response and the tournament’s assistance ensured that Osaka’s preparations were not derailed.

Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Cincinnati Open After Olympic Triumph

Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Cincinnati Open After Olympic Triumph

Novak Djokovic, the reigning champion of the Cincinnati Open, has withdrawn from the upcoming ATP Masters 1000 tournament due to a quick turnaround from his Olympic triumph in Tokyo. The Serbian star, who recently won his first Olympic gold medal in singles, will not be able to defend his title in Cincinnati, which begins next week.

Djokovic’s withdrawal is a significant blow to the tournament, as he has been a dominant force in Cincinnati in recent years. He has won three titles in his last five appearances, including last year’s victory over Milos Raonic. Djokovic also holds the record for most titles at the tournament, with three.

Tournament director Bob Moran expressed his understanding of Djokovic’s decision, saying, “We certainly understand that it is a quick turnaround from his Olympic triumph to come to Cincinnati. His title run here last year was so memorable. We are eager to see him on court again soon.”

Djokovic’s withdrawal means that Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard will move into the draw. The top two seeds in the tournament, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, have yet to win this Masters 1000 event.

Djokovic’s absence from Cincinnati is likely to impact his preparation for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year. He will now head into the tournament without competing in a hard-court event since Wimbledon.

Despite his withdrawal from Cincinnati, Djokovic remains one of the favorites to win the US Open. He has won the tournament three times in the past, including in 2018 and 2020.

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