Former ATP Player Appointed as the New Tournament Director of the Cincinnati Masters 1000

Western & Southern Open, commonly known as the ATP/WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open, is the oldest American tournament which is still conducted in its original city. The event takes place in the city of Cincinnati in Ohio and is the second biggest American tournament after the US Open. First played in 1899, the Cincinnati Open has witnessed the biggest names of the sport playing and winning the title.  

Yesterday, Western & Southern Open announced former ATP player Eric Butorac as its new tournament director. He became the 32nd individual to hold this position since 1899, when the tournament started. 

Eric Butorac and the Cincinnati Open

The tournament made this announcement through a press release. “We look forward to Eric joining us as Tournament Director. Eric has a tremendous passion for tennis and his experience both as a player as well as an administrator in the sport will be assets to our team,” Western & Southern Open COO Katie Haas said in the press release. 

Butorac also commented on getting the post, saying, “The Western & Southern Open is one of the most important events on both Tours and is one of the players’ favorites, thanks in large part to the energy and enthusiasm the fans bring to the tournament.”

Butorac has been a part of the ATP Tour governance since 2008, when he served as one of the members in the 10-member player council. From 2012 to 2014, he worked as the vice president in the committee under Roger Federer. However, in 2014, he moved forward, taking up the presidential post till 2016. 

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On the tennis front, Eric has won 18 men’s doubles titles from 2003 to 2016. His best Grand Slam result has been reaching the final of 2014 Australian Open, where he partnered with Raven Klaasen of South Africa. 

Western & Southern Open (ATP & WTA Cincinnati Masters 1000)

The Western & Southern Open is an Outdoor Hard Court event held in August. It is a part of the US Open Series. The most successful player at the Cincinnati masters has been Roger Federer, the Swiss star has a record of clinching 7 titles there.

In 2021 Western & Southern Open, Alexander Zverev won the title in the men’s singles category. On the other hand, it was Ashleigh Barty who took the women’s singles title. The 2022 Cincinnati Open will be held from August 13 to August 21.

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