Lorenzo Musetti Says Cincinnati’s Courts Feel Different This Year — From Subtle Bounce Changes to Shifts in Speed, Could These Tweaks Completely Alter Player Strategies and Ultimately Change the Tournament’s Outcome?

Italian rising star Lorenzo Musetti has made headlines ahead of this year’s Cincinnati Open — but not just for his tennis. In a candid press interview, Musetti revealed that the courts at Cincinnati feel noticeably different compared to previous years, sparking curiosity among fans and analysts about what this change could mean for the tournament.

The Cincinnati Masters — officially known as the Western & Southern Open — is one of the most prestigious events on the ATP calendar, serving as a key warm-up before the US Open. For players, getting used to the court speed, bounce, and surface texture is crucial, and any subtle adjustments can have a big impact on performance.

Musetti’s Observation: “It’s Not the Same As Last Year”

When asked about his early practice sessions, Musetti didn’t hesitate to share his thoughts.

“The courts feel a bit different this year — maybe the surface is prepared in another way, maybe the bounce is lower. It’s not the same as last year,” Musetti explained. “It’s small, but for us players, small changes matter a lot.”

In professional tennis, surface differences are not unusual. Even on hard courts — which are considered the most standardized surface — the type of acrylic paint, the sanding level for grip, and the weather during installation can subtly alter the way a ball behaves. For a player like Musetti, who thrives on variety and shot-making, these changes can require quick adaptation.

Why Court Speed and Bounce Matter

Court conditions can influence almost every aspect of a tennis match:

Ball speed: A faster court rewards aggressive play, big serves, and flat hitters.
Bounce height: A higher bounce benefits heavy topspin players, while a lower bounce can favor flat stroke hitters and players who take the ball early.
Footing and grip: The friction of the surface affects movement, sliding, and quick direction changes.

If Musetti’s observation about a lower bounce holds true, it could impact how players construct points — rewarding flatter shots and potentially making it tougher for defensive baseline players to dominate rallies.

A Strategic Shift for Players

Musetti’s game is built around flair, variety, and creativity. He’s known for his one-handed backhand, deft drop shots, and ability to mix up pace. A change in court speed or bounce might influence his shot selection and preparation for matches.

“It’s part of being a professional — you have to adapt to the court you’re given,” Musetti said. “I’ll try to use the conditions to my advantage.”

Some players might see the change as an opportunity. For example:

Big servers could find more success if the bounce stays lower, giving opponents less reaction time.
Flat hitters might benefit from quicker points.
Spin-heavy players might need to adjust their tactics to avoid balls sitting up for aggressive returners.

How Other Players Are Responding

While Musetti has been the most vocal, he’s not the only one noticing differences. According to reports from practice courts, several players — both ATP and WTA — have commented privately about how the ball behaves differently this year.

Some attribute it to resurfacing work done during the offseason. Others speculate that weather patterns, including higher humidity in the lead-up to the tournament, could be affecting the court’s feel.

However, not all players see it as a negative. For some, the new conditions might provide an edge against familiar opponents.

Cincinnati’s Unique Role in the Season

The Cincinnati Open has always had a distinct identity. Played just weeks before the US Open, it offers players a final chance to fine-tune their hard-court game. However, it’s also known for its faster conditions compared to Flushing Meadows, meaning adjustments are inevitable.

If this year’s surface truly plays differently, it could disrupt the typical rhythm players expect when moving from Toronto (the previous Masters event) to Cincinnati. In past years, players have used the Cincinnati courts to simulate the fast-paced rallies they expect in New York. If those conditions have shifted, their preparation may need to follow suit.

Musetti’s Cincinnati Track Record

For Musetti, Cincinnati hasn’t always been the most forgiving tournament. Last year, he struggled in early rounds against power hitters who took time away from him. This year, if the bounce is lower and rallies are shorter, he might adjust his patterns — perhaps stepping inside the baseline more often or relying on his precise serve placement.

Fans are eager to see whether his early observations translate into on-court advantage. For a player with his skill set, adaptability is often the key to deep runs.

The Psychological Factor

Beyond the physical adaptation, there’s also a mental component. Knowing that the courts are different can shape how players approach their game plans. Some might overthink adjustments, while others — like Musetti — could embrace the challenge as a way to surprise opponents.

Sports psychologist Dr. Marco Ferri notes:

“When a player publicly acknowledges a change, they’re already preparing mentally to adapt. That mindset can be an asset if used positively.”

Looking Ahead in the Tournament

The early rounds will be telling. If matches trend shorter and favor certain styles, analysts will point back to Musetti’s early comments as confirmation of a meaningful shift. Conversely, if results remain consistent with past years, the difference might prove subtle — more a matter of perception than a game-changer.

For now, one thing is clear: the Italian star’s sharp eye for detail is as strong as his artistry on the court. Whether or not the surface change swings the tournament in his favor, Musetti has added another layer of intrigue to this year’s Cincinnati Open.

Final Word:

In tennis, the smallest variables can lead to the biggest upsets. If Lorenzo Musetti is right, the Cincinnati courts may offer a fresh playing field for 2025 — one where adaptability could be just as important as talent. And for fans, that means one thing: the tournament just got a whole lot more interesting.