Greensburg senior interviews world's top tennis players

Article written by Mary Harmon

Greensburg senior Mary Harmon had the opportunity to serve as a reporter at the Cincinnati Open for The 812 this past weekend. She is sharing her experience here:

(CINCINNATI) -- This past weekend I attended the Cincinnati Open as a media correspondent, and was given the opportunity to interact with some of the best tennis players the world has to offer. 

The first thing I noticed about the environment of the facility was that everything looked relatively new and modernized, and later I learned that the Open facilities had just been recently updated in preparation for this year’s Open. 

Throughout the day, I got to watch some amazing tennis with some of the biggest names in the world. The first match I was able to catch was between Elise Mertens (BEL) and Clervie Ngounoue (USA).

As this match carried on and others finished up, I made my way to what is called the “Mixed Zone” that was in the Performance Center.  There were three main areas to this Zone. The first area was a more laid back open room, where I had gotten the chance to talk to Frances Tiafoe (USA) later that day. There were 2 closed off rooms, one that was a little more crammed and was designed for smaller interviews, and a larger press conference room.

In the second interview I was able to meet Emma Randucanu (UK) and Madison Keys (USA). 

My first interview was with Madison Keys. During the interview she highlighted her strong start into the tournament, and described how she honed in on focusing on her game during the match. She started going “Point to point. -Trying to be super clear when I’m walking into the line, especially when serving.”

Shortly after I met with Keys I discussed the environment with the other reporters in the area. They shared their experiences when they first got into the sports media world and how they love to lighten up an interview that is so hard-headed with some fun questions, like what is your favorite ice cream flavor? Things like that. 

By this time I met with Emma Raducanu where she went through what was supposed to be a tough match with ease earlier. She mentioned that she had gotten a bye in this tournament and she “Never really knew how [she] was going to   feel not having played a match.” That win on Saturday confirmed she was meeting the #1 women’s player in the world, Aryana Sabalenka midday Monday. Ironically, Sabalenka’s match was where I was headed next.

Sabalenka played Centre Court that evening where she faced Markéta Vondroušová. I was there for most of her nail-biting first set, she came away with a victory as she cruised through the second set. By the time Sabalenka started her second set I had decided I would watch some of the other matches, where shortly after Americans Frances Tiafoe, and Taylor Fritz were playing matches. One on the Grandstand Court, the other on Centre following Sabalenka’s commanding win. 

I ended up a meeting with Frances Tiafoe on the way to observe the Sabalenka press conference. A question was asked, “How close do you think an American is to win a Slam?” Tiafoe responded, “We’ll see in two weeks, I mean why not?” 

Unfortunately I missed speaking with Sabalenka, but overall it was an amazing experience being in the same presence as some of the best talents that were playing that day. 

Many of these players playing in the Cincinnati Open will be returning to America for the US Open Hardcourt title in a few weeks. Can an American come out with a win in that Slam? 

Why not?

This story was written by Greensburg senior Mary Harmon