As she threw her fists in the air, Caty McNally’s face, brow ruffled and mouth agape betrayed a mixture of shock and relief that she would be moving on to the next round at her hometown major. Anyone familiar with McNally’s history at the tournament would assume this is just another win. At just 23 years old, it’s her fifth appearance at the Cincinnati Open, but this one means more.
“Having gone through what I have in the last year and a half, I think I’m more grateful now,” said McNally.
Following her last showing at the tournament back in 2022, she was on track for a strong end to her season, going on to make it to the U.S. Open doubles finals alongside Taylor Townsend and reaching a career high singles ranking of no. 54 later that spring. After rebuilding her strength from a case of COVID at the top of the year, she went into 2023 feeling healthy and hopeful, but a season ending elbow injury had different plans.
After finishing her season with a first-round loss at Wimbledon, McNally had surgery and watched the rest of the season from the sidelines. When she could no longer be on the court, her heart led her home.
“I did a lot of my rehab in Cincinnati,” said McNally. “A lot of the people who have helped me along the way, people that have seen me grow and transition throughout my whole career are back here.”
Cincinnati has a rich tennis culture dating back centuries. Home to the Western & Southern Open since 1899, Cincinnati has had many successful clubs and players come from the community, including her own coach and mother, Lynn-Nabors McNally, and her brother, John McNally.
And while one may think that her family linage guided her towards her career path, McNally credits it to the city.
“Cincinnati has such a massive tennis community. I was never really forced to play tennis; I think I just fell in love.” said McNally.
Despite keeping a consistently determined game-face during her Round of 128 in Mason on Friday, appearing and playing calm, cool and collected, she wasn’t. She confessed to the court filled to the top by her hometown community that “I was so nervous... I want to do well for you guys. I want to win so bad.”
The stands roared in applause—seeing it for themselves. After a heated match, not even 30 seconds after her final swing, McNally politely escorted herself to the nearest trashcan that she proceeded to get sick in. “Talk about a new definition of leaving it all on the court,” said the postgame news broadcaster.
She then explained that it was a mix of exhaustion and nerves, both prompted by her desire to show up for the community that had carried her to this point. It’s warranted- her immediate family that she credits her career to have taken off work to show up, loved ones are coming into town; oh, and thousands that have followed her career since she was in middle school are packing the stands full, top to bottom.
Luckily for McNally, win or lose, her community has her back.
After every point lost, at least a few audience members throw out a reassuring cheer for the hometown hero. Each set won, the stands simultaneously come to their feet to applaud McNally for a job well done. And if she wins an especially impressive point? Roars of support erupted from the crowd. Nothing but silence for her opponent—based on their reactions alone, you’d think she did something to deeply offend the Cincinnati community.
While I sit amongst the locals, the father-daughter duo a couple rows behind discuss how the child can learn from McNally. “See how she follows through with her swing,” exclaims the dad, to which the daughter responds with a slightly irritated, “I'm working on it”. Dismissing his daughter's reaction, he quickly bursts out a “Bring it home, Caty!” just before going into the final set.
Whether her game at the Cincinnati Open is good or bad, McNally’s focus is to soak it in. While her awarded wild card was “super special,” she ended up qualifying for the tournament on ranking alone after receiving the honor from her hometown. Having won the Hall of Fame Open in Newport and an impressive showing at Wimbledon, this summer under her belt, her confidence since her 2024 season had improved; and regardless of those accolades, her goal this season has been to show up for herself first.
“I never try to put numbers next to my name because I know it doesn't define me. I want to soak in the crowd; enjoy it,” said McNally. “I just want to play a lot of tennis.”
After not competing in the last two years’ tournaments, she is coming back with a new sense of respect and appreciation for the town that saw every phase of her journey. She says that she wants to “get the crowd on her side.” If only she knew.
“I’ve been coming to this tournament since I was a little girl,” said McNally. “I’m pretty lucky I get to call this my hometown tournament.”
Having been through hell and back for any pro athlete, to get to do what she loves surrounded by who she loves once again was enough of a win for McNally.
“I didn’t know if I would even be able to do this again,” said McNally. “I’m just so grateful.”
