TENNIS TOWN

This week places Cincinnati at the heart of the Tennis World with the Cincinnati Western and Southern Tennis Open. With $2 million in prize money available this is no lightweight tour stop. In fact many players acknowledge that this tournament is needed to ready them for the pinnacle of tournaments the U.S. Open happening next month.

The biggest names in Tennis including Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and others make this a can't miss tournament for Tennis fans and sports fans alike. The tournament is growing as evidenced by the periodic expansion of the facilities and events leading up to the tournament itself. The tournament director Vince Cicero has created a world class feel to the tournament with his staff and the support of the title sponsor and benevolent volunteers.

If you have never been to the Western and Southern Tennis Open, I would call that an unforced error. The excitement is real; upsets are bound to happen and for novice sports fans, at some point you'll see some plays on ESPN's Top Ten. Cincinnati is a sports town and a Tennis town make no mistake. It is not uncommon to see players out at restaurants, enjoying Kings Island or taking in a movie while they're here, because the fan base is very respectful and welcoming. I have heard many a player speak to the uniqueness of the region as a value add in making the decision to come here year in and year out.

So if you haven't been get to an early round just to get your feet wet. If you've not been in a while maybe it's time to dust off the casual clothes and the hat (just in case your seat parks you in the sun) and if you're going again take someone new with you to introduce them to a tournament that is known throughout the Tennis world as a must play event. Yes Cincinnati hosting Tennis akin to major markets on a global scale.

This year's tournament won't be any different but actually could be better. Serena needs a great tune up for the Open as she goes for the elusive grand slam and as great as Djokovic has been, he has one tournament trophy yet to hoist as champion and it's this one. Those two story lines alone are reason enough to attend and support the Western Southern Open. And just in case you think I'm writing this for compensation, I am. By having the pleasure of saying this Tournament is in my back yard and not yours is all the compensation I need to encourage you to check it out. Trust me millions around the world will be, wishing they could see it live; and you can

. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.