From locals who actually go — how to beat the heat, find the best tennis, and catch players up close.
Everyone watches Center Court. Locals know the best tennis is everywhere else — the outer courts, the practice courts, the shaded patios. This is the stuff you only learn by going year after year.
Tennis, Mason eats, and a Phoenician Taverna hill she'll die on.
Knows the grounds cold: the shade, the practice courts, how to beat the heat.
Has been coming since she was a kid and follows the tour. Ask her who to watch.
Only watching Center Court. The best tennis is on the outer and practice courts — tiny crowds, close enough to hear players talk between points.
Every court runs several matches but not the same number. When one goes dark for the day, walk to one that's still going.
Bring an empty water bottle — nothing with a big visible brand logo. Fill it inside.
Grab free sunscreen from the roaming Melanoma Know More robot.
The merch tent = coldest AC on the grounds.
Misting fans are all over — hit them between matches to pace yourself.
No aerosol cans, but an empty spray bottle is fine.
Grounds pass for early rounds — every court but Center, plus practice courts all day. Watch Center Court matches on the TVs around the grounds.
Reserved seats. Your ticket includes grounds access, so you can roam the practice courts all day and you always have a seat to fall back on when it's packed.
Watch them practice from above — head to the practice courts by Champions Court (South gate).
Want eye-level? The courts by the Kids Zone, or the shaded patio near Grandstand Court.
Pro tip: Check the tournament app for player appearances.
The world's best up close, plus hometown faves Caty McNally + Peyton Stearns.
Phoenician Taverna — my favorite local spot in Mason. Get the appetizer sampler platter!
Jungle Jim's is a uniquely Cincinnati experience.
A day at Kings Island, of course. If it's too hot, go shopping at Liberty Center — plus there's an outlet mall one exit up!
Union Terminal is an iconic building and has an amazing OMNIMAX like nothing I've seen anywhere before.
…asking for a 3-way means something completely different. (It's chili on spaghetti with cheese.)
The local order: a 3-way + a cheese coney, plain — no mustard, no onion.
Her Skyline order = Greek salad with cheese fries.
…and you're not even in Cincinnati. The grounds are 25–30 minutes from downtown, in Mason.
A SideKick is the whole tournament in your pocket — a real local who texts back, asks what you like, and plans your actual days. Not a blog. Not ChatGPT. Not influenced.
$25 for a local in your pocket for your whole trip. Less than 3 beers on the grounds.
Text a local for $25 →New guides, local picks, and SideKick spotlights — straight to your inbox.
Local Guides
Real guides from real residents — events, neighborhoods, and what's actually worth your time.
Explore our local guides →