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Tournament field unveiled for next month's tennis event in Mason

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By Steven Matthews, Staff Writer Updated 12:48 AM Tuesday, July 13, 2010

MASON — Not too long ago, Western & Southern Financial Group Masters and Women’s Open officials were faced with a decision — look to grow or get smaller.

They chose the former, and thus far, they don’t have any regrets.

Tournament director Bruce Flory unveiled on Monday, July 12, that all of the top players on both the men’s and women’s tour will be on hand for next month’s event at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason.

“We keep pinching ourselves,” Flory said. “It’s so special, so wonderful to have. We just feel spoiled. It’s so nice to have the same players that are at Wimbledon and Paris. We really bring it for the fans in the Midwest.”

While players like top-ranked Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal highlight the field, another main attraction is the near completion of the 52,000 square-foot West Building on the west side of Center Court.

The $10 million project adds space for players, media and fans, and is twice as high as the previous structure, rising 85 feet above ground level and 97 feet above the court.

“You go to other events, that’s what players are getting used to,” Flory said of extensive player amenities such as a lounge and training room. “You hear about franchises that go somewhere else if a city doesn’t build a bigger arena. These players could easily go somewhere else.”

Spectator accommodations to Center Court includes six new luxury suites, 750 new covered loge-level seats and an additional 140 seats in the northwest corner.

Six more courts will be added prior to next year’s event, which will be combined on Aug. 14-21, 2011.

“It will be exciting,” Flory said. “But I don’t want to wish away today because this is going to be fun. It’s going to be fun to see the reaction of the players and the fans of what we have. The expansions of the facility and it’s just fun seeing these players.”

Besides Williams — this year’s Australian Open and Wimbledon champion — on the women’s side, second-ranked Venus Williams, defending champ Jelena Jankovic (No. 3) and Maria Sharapova (No. 17) also are in the field.

All of the top men will be in attendance, including defending champ Roger Federer (No. 3), Andy Roddick (No. 9) and John Isner (No. 18).

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or smatthews@coxohio.com.

Tournament info

What: Western & Southern Financial Group Masters and Women’s Open

When: August 7-22 (women’s final Aug. 15; men’s final Aug. 22)

Where: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason

Prize money: $5 million

Tickets: Call (513) 651-0303 or visit www.cincytennis.com

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