Cincinnati Open Director slams Monday Final: “Do you think I want it? No, i don’t”

The president of Beemok Capital – owners of the Cincinnati Open – Bob Moran, recently spoke in an interview about the tournament’s unusual schedule, with the final being played on a Monday, unlike the typical Sunday finales in both the WTA and ATP Tours.

Moran, currently the tournament director of the Charleston Open, gave an exclusive interview to Ben Rothenberg, in which he admitted he doesn't like the decision to hold the Cincinnati Open final on a Monday, but said it had been a requirement from the Tours.

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Moran plays a significant role in organising major tournaments. He has been instrumental in elevating the WTA 500 Charleston Open in recent years, turning it into one of the most attractive early clay-swing events for top stars, played on the unique green clay at Daniel Island Tennis Center.

Through his company, Beemok Capital, they own the Cincinnati Open, and plan to keep the tournament in the Ohio city for at least another 25 years, with over $260 million in investments expected during that time.

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During the latest edition of the Cincinnati Open, a peculiar situation unfolded when both the women’s and men’s finals were played on Monday, August 19, 2024. The shift in WTA 1000 and Masters 1000 tournaments to two-week formats has led to scheduling adjustments, and what happened in Cincinnati may signal a trend for the future.

According to Moran, the idea to schedule the finals on a Monday didn’t come from the tournament organisers themselves. On back-to-back sessions at Centre Court, Aryna Sabalenka first defeated Jessica Pegula, followed by Jannik Sinner beating home favourite Frances Tiafoe after the women's trophy ceremony.

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In a recent interview with Bounces, hosted by journalist Ben Rothenberg, Moran stated that it was a decision made by both Tours. Rothenberg directly asked: “One specific last thing on the schedule for Cincinnati: the Monday final, I find it kind of baffling.”

Moran replied: “Yeah, that’s no tour choice.” When Rothenberg followed up and asked who decided it, Moran simply answered: “Tours.”

He further explained: “Give more time. That’s it. Do you think I want a Monday final? No, I don’t.” He added: “They want certain days for breaks for players. The ultimate reason for two weeks is to give players more time off.”

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