Photo: Getty Images North America
It has been almost 2 years since professional tennis has been played on the courts of the Linder Family Tennis Center. That all changes Saturday as qualifying will begin for the 2021 Western and Southern Open.
What should fans expect when things kick off in Mason? Well, a lot has happened in the tennis world since Coronavirus turned the world on it’s head.
Following the cancellation of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, The ATP Tour announced on March 12, 2020 that it was suspending the tour for six weeks. This was due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases across the globe, and travel restrictions that the United States Government had in place. That suspension would be extended through August.
The tour would see some smaller team events play, and the WTA would go on to have a small event in Lexington, Kentucky, but both tours would resume August 22nd at the Western and Southern Open.
…in New York City.
In an effort to limit travel for the players, the United State Tennis Association opted to play the Western and Southern Open and the US Open in Queens in back-to-back weeks. Several events took place following weeks including a postponed Roland Garros.
2021 has seen an almost full return to the tennis schedule, so let’s see where we left off, compared to where we are.
2019 Western and Southern Open Champions
Men- Daniil Medvedev (RUS)
Women- Madison Keys (USA)
2019 World #1s (Entering Tournament)
Men- Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Women- Ashleigh Barty (AUS)
2020 Western and Southern Open Champions (New York)
Men- Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Women- Victoria Azarenka (BLR)
World #1 Entering Tournament
Men- Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Women- Ashleigh Barty (AUS)
Entering the 2021 Western and Southern Open, the world number ones have not changed. They are still Novak Djokovic for the men and Ashleigh Barty for the women. The big news heading into this years event is the early withdraws of 2/3 of the big three. Roger Federer withdrew early this month citing a knee injury that has been plaguing him since Wimbeldon. Djokovic with drew just this week citing fatigue from the 2020 Olympics which just wrapped up last month. Rafael Nadal is currently scheduled to play as of this writing.
It will be interesting to see what unfolds in Cincinnati this year, but for now, it is good to have professional tennis back in the Queen City.