CINCINNATI — Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka expressed shock and disbelief at the "insane" changes implemented at this year's Cincinnati Open, just months after her triumphant victory over Jessica Pegula in the 2023 final. The world No. 2, known for her powerful baseline game, admitted she was caught off guard by significant tournament upgrades, including a revamped stadium and new player facilities.
Sabalenka's Reaction to the Stadium Overhaul
Walking onto Center Court for her first practice session, Sabalenka was visibly stunned by the $25 million renovation of the Lindner Family Tennis Center. "I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the new stadium," she told reporters. "It's like a completely different tournament. The scale of changes is insane!"
Key upgrades that left Sabalenka amazed include:
- A 50% increase in seating capacity (now 11,435 seats)
- State-of-the-art retractable roof for rain delays
- Expanded player lounges with recovery zones
- New LED lighting system for better visibility
Comparing 2023 and 2024 Conditions
Sabalenka, who defeated Pegula 7-5, 6-3 in last year's final, noted dramatic differences in playing conditions. "The court speed feels different with the new roof structure," she observed. "The ball travels slightly faster, and there's less wind interference during rallies."
Impact on Game Strategy
The Belarusian star admitted the changes might require tactical adjustments: "I'll need to adapt my serve placement and be more precise with my groundstrokes. The conditions reward aggressive play even more than before."
Player Reactions Across the Locker Room
Sabalenka isn't alone in her astonishment. Tournament officials revealed that multiple top players have praised the upgrades:
- Novak Djokovic called it "one of the best facilities on tour"
- Coco Gauff appreciated the "player-first design philosophy"
- Carlos Alcaraz noted the "perfect balance between intimacy and scale"
Tournament director Eric Butorac explained the motivation behind the changes: "We wanted to create a world-class experience that matches the prestige of our player field. The feedback from Aryna and others confirms we've achieved that goal."
Defending Champion's Preparation Challenges
Sabalenka acknowledged the unusual pressure of defending a title in transformed surroundings: "It feels like I'm playing a new tournament, not defending my crown. That mental shift is something I'm working through with my team."
Her coach, Anton Dubrov, shared insights into their adaptation strategy: "We're treating this like Aryna's first Cincinnati appearance. The muscle memory from last year won't apply in these new conditions."
Tournament's Historical Significance
The Cincinnati Open, established in 1899, has undergone several transformations throughout its 125-year history. However, the 2024 renovations mark its most significant modernization:
- First permanent roof in tournament history
- Largest single-year investment
- First complete stadium rebuild since 1981
Sabalenka reflected on being part of this historic moment: "To win here last year and now see this incredible evolution... it's special. I feel connected to the tournament's legacy in a new way."
Looking Ahead to the 2024 Tournament
Despite the surprises, Sabalenka remains focused on her title defense. When asked about her chances, she responded with characteristic confidence: "The court may look different, but my game is still the same. Powerful, aggressive, championship-level tennis."
Analysts suggest the faster conditions could benefit Sabalenka's style. ESPN commentator Patrick McEnroe noted: "The roof creates more consistent conditions that reward big hitters like Aryna. She should embrace these changes."
Conclusion: Embracing Change
As practice sessions continue, Sabalenka's initial shock has transformed into excitement: "At first I was surprised, but now I see this as an opportunity. Great players adapt, and that's what I plan to do."
The Cincinnati Open begins August 11, with Sabalenka scheduled to play her opening match on August 12. All eyes will be on how the defending champion navigates the tournament's dramatic transformation while pursuing back-to-back titles.