The Cincinnati Masters final is set for Monday again: here’s why

The Cincinnati Masters 1000 will once again conclude with the singles final being played on Monday, August 18. It’s the second straight year that the historic U.S. event won’t finish on a Sunday, as is tradition on the tour. While the 2024 change was caused by the reshuffling for the Paris Olympics, this year the reason is different: the new two-week format imposed by the ATP and WTA.

Aiming to standardize the Masters 1000 events and elevate their status, Cincinnati has expanded both in duration (14 days) and draw size, increasing from 56 to 96 players. This expansion means the semifinals will be held on Saturday, August 16, and the singles finals on Monday, August 18, in the evening.

“Do you think I want a Monday final? No, I don’t. But it was the tours’ decision, not the tournament’s,” said Bob Moran, the event director, firmly.

This move is part of a transformation already experienced by other tournaments like Indian Wells, Madrid, and Rome, aimed at giving the Masters 1000 events more prominence. However, the immediate consequence is a tight scheduling adjustment that has sparked controversy, especially because of its proximity to the US Open, which starts Sunday, August 24—just six days after the Cincinnati final.

Additionally, the Canadian Masters 1000, which precedes Cincinnati on the calendar, also underwent changes: it began on July 26 and held its final on Thursday, August 7, creating a compressed schedule that complicates participation in both events.

The situation has drawn criticism from players and coaches, who fear that accumulated fatigue on this North American swing could affect performance at the season’s final Grand Slam.

For now, the ATP and WTA remain committed to these new formats, seeking greater visibility, more playing time, and better opportunities for fans. One thing is clear: a Monday final in Cincinnati is no longer an exception—it’s part of a new era in the tennis calendar.

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