Tennis

2023 Cincinnati Open qualifying – dates, draw, top seeds, and more

The second of two 1000-level events in North America starts today in the form of the Cincinnati Open qualifying matches. That’s right – these matches are part of the Cincinnati Open schedule for today, even though the Canadian Open has yet to finish! As for the matches and schedule for the Western & Southern Open qualifying draw, that’s precisely what I’ll be covering here. Contained in the respective sections below, you can find details on the qualifying schedule, top seeds, how many players qualify, and more.

Cincinnati Open Qualifying

 

The aim is to simply provide you with the most comprehensive guide to the Cincinnati Open qualifying event possible. And with the matches scheduled to begin today (Saturday, August 12th), there isn’t much time to waste. Therefore, how about we get right to it?

Cincinnati Open qualifying overview

As referenced above, the Cincinnati Open qualifying, otherwise known as the Western & Southern Open qualifying, starts today. For the men’s event, there will be 7 qualifiers that make it into the main draw. As for the women’s event, there will be 8 qualifiers that make it into the main draw. So of course, this means that there are 15 qualifiers in total, split between the ATP Cincinnati Open qualifying and the WTA Cincinnati Open qualifying draws. And in both events in order to qualify, a player must win two matches in a row. 

That’s because the draw is relatively condensed when compared to events like Grand Slams. Yet the prize is just as enticing for the players involved. Of course, the Cincinnati Open qualifying event gives players a chance to get into a 1000-level tournament, which is huge for several reasons. Such an achievement is huge for rankings points and much more, especially financially thanks to the Cincinnati Open prize money on offer in 2023.

As for the Cincinnati Open qualifying dates, the event runs over just two days – August 12th and August 13th. Of course, the first matches are set to be played today, and the final round of the Western & Southern Open qualifying draws will then be held tomorrow – Sunday, August 13th. This is the final day of qualifying, and from here, it’s out of the frying pan and into the fire for those who qualify, as the main draw begins on Monday, August 14th.

ATP Cincinnati Open qualifying – men’s draw breakdown

Although both the WTA and ATP tournaments here are branded as the Cincinnati Open or the Western & Southern Open, they are still individual events. So while there are similarities such as the draw size and number of match wins needed to qualify, each draw is totally unique and interesting in other regards. As for one of the more intriguing elements, which relates to the Cincinnati Open seeds, let me reveal the top seeds for the ATP Cincinnati Open qualifying draw:

  • Laslo Djere – Seed 1
  • Arthur Fils – Seed 2
  • Daniel Altmaier – Seed 3
  • Jordan Thompson – Seed 4
  • Alexei Popyrin – Seed 5
  • Marton Fucsovics – Seed 6
  • Aleksandar Vukic – Sed 7

You will no doubt recognize many of these names since they are all great players. In fact, many of them have been involved in several main draws for Grand Slams and other 1000-level tournaments in 2023. Therefore, while it just takes two match wins to qualify, this is certainly easier said than done.

WTA Cincinnati Open qualifying – women’s draw breakdown

For the Western & Southern Open qualifying draw for the women, some might think that the players have a better chance of qualifying. I say this because 8 players will qualify for the women’s event vs just 7 for the men’s event. Then again, while there is one extra qualifying spot up for grabs, it’s just as difficult to qualify for the main draw, and the requirement to win back-to-back matches remains in place. 

Anyway, as I’ve done for the ATP Cincinnati Open qualifying draw, let me reveal the top 8 seeds for the women’s event who are favored to reach the main draw:

  • Elisabetta Cocciaretto – Seed 1 (moved to main draw)
  • Varvara Gracheva – Seed 2
  • Lesia Tsurenko – Seed 3
  • Alycia Parks – Seed 4
  • Jasmine Paolini – Seed 5
  • Lauren Davis – Seed 6
  • Camila Giorgi – Seed 7
  • Linda Noskova – Seed 8

Each of the top 8 seeds has their own section of the draw, meaning that none of these seeds can play each other in qualifying. Yet in the case of Cocciaretto, she’s been moved into the main draw. As a result, she’s being replaced by an alternate to fill her spot in qualifying.

Western & Southern Open qualifying – FAQs

Where can I watch the Cincinnati Open qualifying matches?

If you would like to watch these matches, you can check out our full breakdown of Cincinnati Open TV live streaming options.

Will you be providing any predictions for the qualifying matches?

Yes, we shall be providing Cincinnati Open qualifying predictions for today and tomorrow. Feel free to check these out when you get a chance.

Do the Western & Southern Open qualifying draws have wildcards like the main draw?

Yes, although these Cincinnati Open wildcards are found in the men’s draw only, with four guys playing thanks to a wildcard entry.


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