For five years, we have been flying to the USA as the Exclusive Charcuterie Sponsor of one of the most fascinating tennis tournaments in the world. Here is what makes it so special. 

More than just a tennis tournament, Cincinnati Open is a celebration of sport, tradition and shared experiences — from the excitement of world-class matches to the lively atmosphere around the courts, where fans come together to enjoy the tournament in their own way.

For us, it’s also a chance to bring a little piece of the Italian lifestyle to Ohio. Between matches, our products and the tradition of aperitivo become part of the experience, creating a natural connection between the passion for tennis and one of Italy’s most beloved social rituals.

And after experiencing the Cincinnati Open year after year, we’ve discovered that there is much more to this tournament than what happens on the court. From historic trophies to record-breaking milestones and unforgettable champions, Cincinnati is full of stories and traditions worth knowing.

While champions clash on the hard courts and spectators enjoy our charcuterie boards between matches, we have gathered 5 must-know fun facts that make this event unique in the world of tennis:

  1. A trophy from days gone by: forget the usual metal cups. The tournament winner lifts the Rookwood Cup, a stunning ceramic vase hand-painted each year by a different artist. Crafted by the historic Rookwood Pottery, its design is directly inspired by the original prize awarded way back in 1899.
  2. Over 125 years of history: founded in 1899, it is the oldest American professional tennis tournament still played in its original city today. A true monument of world tennis.
  3. A record-breaking facility: the Lindner Family Tennis Center features four permanent stadiums dedicated entirely to tennis — a remarkable setup for a venue outside the four Grand Slam tournaments.
  4. The legend of the “Golden Masters”: in 2018, this court witnessed history: by defeating Roger Federer in the final, Novak Djokovic became the first tennis player ever to win all nine Masters 1000 tournaments at least once.
  5. That unforgettable Italian touch: in 2024, Jannik Sinner wrote a memorable page for Italian sport, becoming the first Italian ever to triumph in the men’s singles and rightfully entering a legendary roll of honor.

Whether it’s a perfect baseline shot or the rich flavor of our prosciutto, excellence is always guaranteed in Cincinnati!