With the Tokyo Olympics done and dusted, the focus now shifts to the US Open in less than three weeks’ time. However, prior to the hard court Grand Slam, players are taking part in various warm-up tournaments. One of those tournaments is the Cincinnati Open 2021.
In an encouraging update earlier today, the ATP Member Services announced the tournament will have increased prize money on offer for all participants.
Cincinnati Open 2021 to raise initial base prize money from 50% to 80%
The COVID-19 pandemic created a massive impact on the sporting world. Since fans couldn’t attend matches in stadiums, tournaments saw a drop in ticketing revenues, one of the prime sources of income. The 2020 Cincinnati Open saw a huge drop in prize money from US$6 million in 2019 to US$4.2 million.
However, sporting events across the world are starting to allow fans into stadiums once again. And the Cincinnati Open is no exception, with the organisers selling tickets to fans. In fact, the ATP Member Services revealed the initial base prize money of the tournament will increase by a significant percentage.
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) August 12, 2021
They issued a statement conveying the same earlier today. The statement read, “We are pleased to inform you that the initial base level prize money at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati has been raised from 50% to 80%, resulting in an increase of $1,816,885 and a new prize money total of $4,845,025.”
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There could be a further increase in prize money depending on ticket sales
Their statement also added that an increase in ticket sales could influence the prize money. “The possibility of an additional increase to full prize money remains as tickets continue to be on sale in the lead-up and throughout the tournament.”
They also admitted they will decide the final prize money by comparing ticket revenues with the 2019 Cincinnati Open. With defending champion Novak Djokovic skipping the tournament, the tournament will crown a new winner in the men’s singles category. However, the absence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal besides Djokovic might take the shine off this tournament.
The Cincinnati Open begins on Saturday, August 14 and ends on Sunday, August 2022.
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