Top stars returning for Mason tourney

Men and women will compete in the same week for the first time.

Photos: Tennis tourney field set

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By Steven Matthews, Staff Writer Updated 12:48 AM Tuesday, July 12, 2011

MASON — The best of the best in professional men’s and women’s tennis return to Mason next month.

Only this time, they’ll all be playing in the same week.

For the first time in tournament history, the men and women will compete simultaneously over a nine-day period when the Western & Southern Open unfolds Aug. 13-21 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason.

“What’s great about a combined lineup is how deep it goes,” said Vince Cicero, the new tournament director. “ ... It’s going to create some great problems for fans as they try to decide, ‘Am I going to go watch Andy Roddick on one court or am I going to watch Maria Sharapova on another?’ Those are good problems to have.”

Proof that the tournament has reached new heights is Monday’s press conference to reveal the field.

Held in the player dining room in the year-old Paul Flory Player Center, a more formal announcement included a video presentation hosted by Andrew Krasny, the official voice of the Western & Southern Open, as he handicapped the field of committed players.

“The biggest difference is the fan experience,” said Krasny, who’s preparing for his second year. “It’s magnetic. It’s electrifying. There’s tradition. There’s intimacy that they are really in my backyard. They’re so approachable and accessible.”

The men’s and women’s draw will each have 56 players, highlighted by the top 10 players in the ATP and WTA rankings. The purse is $3.2 million for the men and $2.4 for the women.

Defending champions Roger Federer and Kim Clijsters headline the list of committed players.

“That’s the great thing with our lineup,” Cicero said. “You’re going to get the top men and top women back every year, and your chances of having the defending champion here are extremely high unless they’re dealing with an injury issue. Those are two accomplished, well-regarded tennis players.”

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic and Caroline Wozniacki, as well as Rafael Nadal, Roddick, Sharapova, and Venus and Serena Williams are expected to play.

The second phase of the three-year, $20 million expansion to the grounds will be completed in the next couple weeks. This phase features six new courts, including a 4,000-seat television court, an entry way with a champions wall and a retail plaza.

The third and final phase is set for next year with a new $3 million food court.

Western &  Southern Open

When: Aug. 13-21

Where: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason

Tickets: (513) 651-0303 or www.cincytennis.com

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