SYMMES TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKRC) – The local support for the tennis tournament is why it remains in Mason. One of the local legends who loves the game and teaches it to the next generation is a big supporter of the sport.
He’s helped a female athlete who will play in the Cincinnati Open.
For 51 years, Steve Contardi has been running summer tennis camps. He’s been playing the sport for 70 of his 80 years of life in a city that loves the game.
“Well, Cincinnati is probably one of the best tennis cities in America. We’ve got a fabulous indoor tennis association, which is the model for the entire country on organized leagues,” said Contardi.
International college players are part of Contardi’s coaching team at The Club at Harper’s Point.
About 150 kids a day for 10 weeks of summer take part in his program. They often hit against a surface with an honorary name. It’s called ‘McNally Rally Wall.’
Skylar Sieving said it’s a fun connection to a tennis star.
“I always think that like I’m playing on the same court she’s played on before,” said Sieving.
Cincinnati native Caty McNally grew up playing at Harper’s Point. The professional tennis player will take the court at the Cincinnati Open along with many other stars, whom kids like Josephine Hiciu are excited to watch.
“Coco Gauff, Djokovic, Sabalenka,” said Hiciu.
For 11-year-old Eehaan Ashok, going to the tournament is also about the fan experience.
“I just love how many other people there are enjoying this sport with me. And I just love that there’s such a big community around the sport,” said Ashok.
Contardi said the fans also want to swing the racket themselves. They come to his facility to do it.
“We’ve been booking these since last year. Before they leave, they’ve book the courts for next year. So we will see people probably from, I’m going to guess, maybe 25 to 30 different states that could be there,” said Contardi.
Fans from all over the country and the world will come together with the same passion, the love of tennis.