Game Set Match: Senator Steve Wilson Helps Save Historic Tennis Tournament

COLUMBUS—State Senator Steve Wilson (R-Maineville) announced today that the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, will remain the host of the Western and Southern Open for the next 25 years.

"This tournament has been a staple in Southwestern Ohio for nearly 125 years,” said Wilson. “I am thrilled that future generations will get the opportunity to watch the best athletes in the world compete on the hardcourt in Mason, Ohio. This could not have been accomplished without the diligence and hard work of state and local officials, the Cincinnati business community, and numerous other stakeholders.”

Wilson secured instrumental funding for the tournament in House Bill 33, the state’s two-year operating budget. Due to the upcoming expansion of the tournament and the pending renovations to the facility and grounds, Ohioans can rest assured knowing the return on this investment will be swift.

In 2022, during a period of just nine days, the Western & Southern Open pumped over $80 million into the local economy while also supporting more than 500 jobs.

The biggest names in tennis play at the Western and Southern Open, which draws over 200,000 fans from across the globe to Southwest Ohio each year.

Senate President Matt Huffman, (R-Lima), congratulated Mason and recognized the superb effort by Senator Wilson to keep the tournament where it belongs.

“This came down to match point,” said President Huffman. “Senator Wilson was able to serve an ace in the state budget that secured a huge win not just for Mason and Warren County, but for the State of Ohio.”

The 2024 Western & Southern Open is set to begin on Monday, August 12 and run through Tuesday, August 20.

Learn more about the tournament by clicking here.