The 2025 Cincinnati Open provided plenty of drama as ever, with Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek lifting the trophies.
On the ATP Tour, Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in the final of the Cincinnati Open earlier this year, although the Italian was forced into an early retirement.
Sinner publicly apologised after cutting his final with Alcaraz short, with the Spaniard having been leading 5-0 in the first set at the time.
And on the WTA Tour, Swiatek defeated Jasmine Paolini in the final, securing a 7-5, 6-4 victory over the Italian.
But the tennis itself was often overshadowed by fans complaining about the Cincinnati Open on TV, with rain delays also playing a part due to the absence of roofs at the Cincinnati Open venue.
Cincinnati Open organisers praised as ‘common sense prevails’
Tournament organisers have, however, now come in for praise for one key change elsewhere that they’ve already made for the 2026 event.
Reacting to the news that the finals will be played on Sunday instead of Monday, one fan wrote simply on X: “Common sense prevails.”
A second concurred, saying: “Smart move,” while a third also agreed, noting: “Good, at least a final on a Sunday for them!”
And there was further agreement as another fan said: “100% should be Sunday coming from a Cincy resident.”
Cincinnati Open deserves praise for popular scheduling decision
It’s clearly a popular decision from the Cincinnati Open, with fans understandably eager for a Sunday final.
Monday or Tuesday finals have become much more common given the latest changes to many ATP Masters 1000 events, but it’s great to see that fans are indeed now being respected more.
Who will join Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in a new ‘big three’?
The same can be said of the players, who will be eager not to have tournaments being dragged out as much as possible.
The schedule in general has come under intense scrutiny from many players this season, but whether more significant changes are made remains to be seen.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
