In recent days, most of the players on the ATP and WTA tour have highlighted how the conditions of the courts in Cincinnati are very different from past editions. Following the work that has affected the entire structure making it even more suggestive, the surface has become slower and this change has not pleased almost all the top players.
The reason is mainly related to the fact that players want to be at the top of their shape at the US Open – the last Grand Slam of the season – scheduled in New York from August 24 to September 7 and playing in very different conditions in the previous weeks does not help them find the right rhythm.
Last year, this tournament was equally criticized due to the excessively fast conditions that prevented long rallies from being seen. In particular, former world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz had complained a lot after being eliminated by French veteran Gael Monfils in the second round.
Tommy Paul shines in Cincy
Among the players who have given a different opinion than the others, there is certainly the local idol Tommy Paul. The American ace – who put in an excellent performance against Pedro Martinez in his debut yesterday – confessed to 'Tennis TV' that he likes the new conditions very much: “Before the tournament a few people said the tournaments were playing slow. Your thoughts? I think they’re crazy!”
He also talked about his current shape: “With practice the past couple of weeks, it was pretty good. I told my coach, ‘I think we’re good to go for Cincy, at least, and get some matches.’ It was either come here or not come here and play Winston-Salem before the Open and I thought, ‘It would be better if I could obviously play here.’”
Tommy has always played excellent tennis on this surface and could represent an insidious rival even for top players. Cincinnati and the US Open are two tournaments that he likes a lot and he will give his best to surprise his fans.
