CINCINNATI, Ohio - Officials for the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters and Women's Open announced the player commitments today, and every 2010 Grand Slam champion is expected to play.
The 2010 women's field includes more top-ranked players than ever before. Each of the Top 35 non-injured ranked players in the world is currently entered into the draw. The field includes 2010 Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Serena Williams and 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone.
The women's event begins August 7 and concludes with the finals on August 15. Other notable players include: Maria Sharapova in her first appearance ever in Cincinnati; 7-time major champion Venus Williams; Wimbledon runner-up and 2006 Cincinnati champion Vera Zvonareva; and defending champion Jelena Jankovic.
"Cincinnati is one of only 9 places in the world where fans can see this level of tennis on both the men's and women's sides," said Bruce Flory, tournament director. "We're excited to host the best women and best men, back-to-back once again this year."
On the men's side, returning champion Roger Federer will look to defend his 2009 title against a field that includes each of the Top 40 non-injured ranked players in the world. Reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal will look to pad his No. 1 ranking with his first title in Cincinnati.
Men's players to watch this year include: American John Isner, fresh off his record breaking 11 hour 5 minute match at Wimbledon; 2-time Cincinnati champion Andy Roddick; last year's Olympus US Open Series points champion Sam Querrey; 2008 Cincinnati champion Andy Murray; and two-time finalist Novak Djokovic.
About the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters & Women's Open
The Western & Southern Financial Group Masters & Women's Open will be held August 7-22, 2010 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, 20 miles north of Cincinnati in Mason, OH. The event is the oldest professional tennis tournament in the nation still held in its original city. The tournament is one of the nine prestigious ATP Masters 1000 events, joining other host cities such as Rome, Shanghai and Madrid. On the ladies side, the Open is a Premier event on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. The event is also one of the last stops on the Olympus US Open Series prior to the US Open in New York. For more information or tickets visit www.cincytennis.com or call 513-651-0303.