The Cincinnati Open underwent a dramatic makeover for its 2025 edition, unveiling a new two-tone blue court color scheme as part of a sweeping $260 million renovation. Yet, in a lighthearted post-match revelation, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka confessed that she completely missed one of the most noticeable updates.
Fresh off a grueling third-round victory over Emma Raducanu, Sabalenka was asked about the new surface colors—replacing the traditional green with a vibrant bright blue. Her candid reaction had reporters and fans laughing.
“Did they? My memory is terrible. I don’t remember what happened to me last week… Really? It was green?” she said with a chuckle. “But I like it! It’s bright. It’s beautiful.”
A Tournament Transformed
The 2025 Cincinnati Open has been more than just another stop on the WTA and ATP calendar—it has been a visual and structural reinvention. The color change to the courts is just one part of a massive modernization effort aimed at elevating the tournament’s global image and enhancing the fan experience.
The upgrades include:
- Two-tone blue courts replacing the traditional green outer area.
- A larger venue footprint, expanding from 21 to 31 total courts.
- The addition of the 2,000-seat sunken Champions Court.
- More practice courts accessible to fans.
- Upgraded landscaping, player facilities, and hospitality areas.
The transformation gives the tournament a fresh, contemporary feel and aligns it visually with other elite hard-court events, while still retaining Cincinnati’s distinct character.
Why the Court Color Matters
The switch from green to blue isn’t just cosmetic. Tennis broadcasters and sports production experts have long favored blue courts for their ability to enhance visibility on television and digital streaming platforms. The contrast between the court and the yellow ball is sharper, making it easier for viewers to follow the action—especially on high-speed exchanges.
The new color palette also serves a branding purpose. With the rise of digital content and social media coverage, the distinctive two-tone blue makes Cincinnati’s visuals instantly recognizable in highlight reels, photos, and promotional materials.
Sabalenka’s Unfazed Approach
For Sabalenka, however, the color of the court barely registered amid the intensity of competition. She joked that she only noticed “everything was so beautiful and new” when she arrived on site, but she didn’t specifically register the color change.
“The first moment I came, I was so confused… it’s all so beautiful, so new. I like that. It’s just so fresh… My memory is terrible… but I like blue as well. As long as it’s not orange? I’m happy with it,” she quipped.
Her remark about “no orange” was a playful nod to clay court tennis and a hint at her preference for the hard-court conditions she excels on.
Fans and Players React
While Sabalenka might not have noticed the change immediately, fans certainly did. On social media platforms, many praised the brighter, modern look, comparing it favorably to other iconic blue-court tournaments like the Australian Open. Others reminisced about the “classic green” that had been a part of Cincinnati’s identity for decades.
Several players commented on the freshness of the venue overall. The expanded grounds, improved seating, and more open layout have been particularly well-received. For athletes, upgraded player lounges, locker rooms, and recovery areas make the tournament experience more comfortable and efficient.
Part of a Bigger Vision
The court color change is a visible symbol of Cincinnati’s ambition to remain a premier tennis destination in a crowded calendar. With increasing competition from newer, glitzier events, traditional tournaments must find ways to modernize without losing their heritage.
The $260 million investment aims to future-proof the Cincinnati Open by making it both player-friendly and fan-friendly. Enhancements to crowd flow, shade structures, and food and beverage offerings are designed to keep fans engaged throughout the day, while technological upgrades improve live scoring, match coverage, and in-venue entertainment.
Sabalenka’s Focus on the Game
If anything, Sabalenka’s lack of awareness about the court color underscores just how locked-in players are during competition. At the elite level, external changes often fade into the background as athletes focus entirely on tactics, shot selection, and execution.
Her tunnel vision certainly paid off in her third-round match, where she outlasted Raducanu in a marathon three-setter that featured a 23-minute, 13-deuce game. While the renovated stadium and fresh color scheme provided the stage, the tennis itself was the real spectacle.
Looking Ahead
As Sabalenka continues her campaign in Cincinnati, the blue courts she barely noticed may end up as part of a winning memory if she lifts the trophy again. For the tournament, the renovations and rebrand are already a talking point—whether in jest, as with Sabalenka’s comments, or in admiration from fans and players.
The move toward blue courts is part of a broader trend in tennis, but Cincinnati’s updated tone has a slightly brighter, more vibrant shade than most, making it stand out. Over time, it may become as iconic as the event’s long history and passionate Midwest crowd.
Conclusion
The Cincinnati Open’s new two-tone blue courts are a bold visual statement in a tournament already transformed by massive investment. While Aryna Sabalenka didn’t immediately notice the color change, her lighthearted reaction reflects the balance between tradition and progress in tennis.
For fans, the update signals a modernized, world-class event ready for a new generation of players and audiences. For Sabalenka, the only color that ultimately matters is the gold of the trophy she’s chasing—court shade be damned.
