PPA Veolia Cincinnati Showcase Tournament Preview: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction
The prestigious PPA Tour makes its highly anticipated return to Cincinnati after a one-year hiatus, bringing world-class pickleball action to the newly renovated Lindner Family Tennis Center. This comprehensive preview breaks down everything you need to know about this exciting Slam event, from the venue upgrades to player matchups and predictions.
The Venue and Its Transformation
Located in Mason, Ohio, the Lindner Family Tennis Center recently underwent an impressive $260 million renovation during 2024 and 2025. This world-class facility, which recently hosted the ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati Open, welcomes nearly 300,000 tennis fans annually. The PPA Tour’s return to this upgraded venue marks a significant milestone for professional pickleball.
As one of only four prestigious Slam events on the 2025 PPA Tour calendar (alongside The Masters, Atlanta Slam, and World Championships in Dallas), the Cincinnati Showcase offers players the opportunity to earn 2,000 PPA Points – double the amount available at regular Open events. The tournament follows a Progressive Draw format, with each day featuring one round of competition across all events.
Special Events: Pickleball for All Clinic
A highlight of the tournament week is the third annual “Pickleball for All” accessibility awareness clinic, sponsored by Carvana. This unique initiative brings together professional players, para-athletes, and community members for an evening of inclusive pickleball instruction and community building. The free event takes place on Wednesday, September 10, from 4:30-6:30 PM ET.
How to Watch
Comprehensive coverage will be available through Pickleballtv throughout the tournament, with select matches also broadcast on Tennis Channel. The tournament runs from Tuesday through Sunday, with daily coverage starting at 10 AM Eastern.
Weather and Playing Conditions
Players can expect challenging conditions with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s and humidity levels around 50%. While no significant precipitation is forecast, the combination of heat and humidity will likely affect ball speed and player endurance, making proper hydration crucial for competitors.
Women’s Singles Competition Analysis
The women’s singles draw features several compelling storylines:
- Anna Leigh Waters returns as the #1 seed after taking a brief hiatus from singles play
- A strong second tier of contenders including Kate Fahey, Kaitlyn Christian, Parris Todd, Brooke Buckner, and Lea Jansen
- An intriguing potential Round of 32 matchup between training partners Jorja Johnson and Milly Rane
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Tournament Predictions
Based on current form and draw analysis, here are the key predictions for each event:
- Women’s Singles: Anna Leigh Waters over Kate Fahey in three games
- Men’s Singles: Ben Johns to capture his first win in four months over Grayson Goldin
- Mixed Doubles: Waters/Johns to continue their dominance with a four-game victory over the Johnson siblings
- Women’s Doubles: Bright/Waters to prevail over Johnson/Black in four games
- Men’s Doubles: Tardio/Johns to extend their winning streak against Patriquin/Staksrud
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