The Tennis season is now a global celebration with access to big tournaments and superstars throughout the calendar year but tennis fans and players all eagerly look forward to the holy grail of the Grand Slams. The four Grand Slam tournaments are the most important events in the tennis calendar. They are big ticket events and offer the players the most ranking points, the most prize money and a place in the history books. They are also the widely accepted measurement of “who is the best?”
Australian Open
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
The first Grand Slam of the year, held in late January and the only one that takes place in the southern hemisphere, hosted in Melbourne, Australia.
A vibrant colourful experience, often played in blistering summer heat, always makes for a tournament full of drama and often shows up surprise winners. It was originally played on grass courts but made the switch to hard courts in the late ’80s.
Said to be many players favourite major due to the location, timing and overall Aussie welcome, it’s always a fantastic start to the tennis season and a great place to visit and start your tennis year!
French Open
PARIS, FRANCE
Roland Garros* is the culmination of the clay court season, played mainly across continental Europe in early summer.
The only major played on the red dirt, needs a completely different set of skills and often requires tremendous stamina, due to the long matches created by a slower surface.
The sophisticated Parisian crowd loves players with style and personality, it also helps to be French!
* The tournament venue and named after the French aviator.
Wimbledon
LONDON, UK
SW19 in London is home to the Championships, the oldest tennis tournament in the world and generally regarded as the most prestigious.
Played on fast grass courts (although players say it has slowed in recent years), often favouring big servers and players with a game built around excellent movement. Wimbledon never fails to deliver excitement, theatre and tradition.
Whilst the players covet all four Slams, this tournament is the one they grow up dreaming about – lifting the trophy on centre court and becoming a Wimbledon member for life!
US Open
NEW YORK, US
The Slam season concludes on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows in New York.
Played in front of a noisy and partisan crowd, it has a unique atmosphere that takes some getting used to.
The finals are played out on Arthur Ashe Stadium in front of the largest tennis crowd in the world.
The late summer heat and the chance of a calendar Grand Slam can bring the excitement levels to fever pitch and both the players and the crowds love it.
