The game of tennis has been around for centuries and its popularity is increasing every year. Each season, the world’s top tennis tournaments attract thousands of spectators to experience the incredible atmosphere surrounding these global events. These major tennis tournaments are some of the most popular tickets in the sport, and offer fans the opportunity to watch the world’s best tennis players live on the biggest stage.
Along with the tennis action, each tournament also has a unique history and tradition. If you’re wondering which are the best tennis tournaments to attend, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites below.
Wimbledon
There are four Grand Slams, but there is always something a little bit special about Wimbledon. Maybe it is the grass courts, or maybe it is the fact that it has the most history.
Whatever, many consider it to be their best and most prestigious tennis tournament. Top players compete on grass once a year, and it is generally one of the most watched tournaments by non-tennis fans.
US Open
The final Grand Slam of the season, the US Open is also the most famous professional US tennis tournament. The US Open was first played in 1881 as the US National Championships. What makes this one of the best tennis tournaments to participate in? Well for starters, it offers a different and unique environment as compared to other majors. It’s as vibrant, fun and vibrant as its host city, New York.
This top tennis tournament takes place at the US National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, NY, though many fans will stay in Manhattan and take advantage of the city’s incredible dining, shopping and entertainment when they’re not watching tennis. Just like at Wimbledon, you’ll find no shortage of celebrities at the US Open.
French Open
The last of the Grand Slam events on this list, the French Open comes in at number four. The first men’s tournament took place in 1891 as the French Championships, with the women following suit in 1897. Currently a clay court event, the French Open takes place at Stade Roland Garros, where it has been since 1928. Originally, until 1907, the French Open was actually a sand event, something that is not common in the modern day. Like the other tournaments outside the US, the French Open had to pause for the World Wars.
Australian Open
Nicknamed the Happy Slam, the Australian Open is a favourite among some of the world’s best players – and not just for Melbourne’s beautiful beaches and endless supply of sushi rolls. It’s here that the world has seen some of best matches, including Novak Djokovic, who has won a record 7 Australian Open titles. Melbourne Park precinct is currently the home of the Australian Open but this hasn’t always been the case with the tournament having been played at more than a dozen other sites in its 114-year history – including Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and New Zealand.
Summer Olympic Games Tennis Tournament
The Summer Games are unique among tennis tournaments in that spectators can enjoy several other sporting events in one incredible event. Tennis was dropped from the Summer Games in 1924, but was later returned to the Olympic program in 1988, and since then the tournament has been popular among players and fans alike. The 9-day tournament sees intense competition between players competing for national glory, and when spectators aren’t watching tennis, they can watch some of the world’s best athletes compete in 33 other sports.
ATP World Tour Finals
The Grand Slam tournaments are the pinnacle of tennis, but the ATP Finals is the next highest level of competition. Here, the world’s best players battle it out for the coveted year-end trophy. The competition has been held in over 15 different cities around the world during its history.
After being held in London for the last 12 years, the championship round will take place in Turin this year. With the impending retirements of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray, the relocation marks the end of an era not only for London but for professional tennis as well.
Davis Cup
The Davis Cup was originally a match between the United States and Great Britain, but has since become the world’s largest international team competition. Since its inception in 1900, British men have won it ten times, but Andy Murray finally ended the 79-year drought.
Unlike the genteel spectators seen at most tennis matches, this tournament is unabashedly political, with flag-waving and hooting for the home side, creating an intense and intimidating atmosphere. However, in the field of sports, the experience is unique.
Indian Wells Masters
Located in the middle of the desert in California, some may initially think that Indian Wells is not exactly an amazing location for a tournament. However, many people on the West Coast prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle of the major cities and escape each year in the spring to a tennis oasis. Indian Wells is one of the most-attended tournaments outside the Grand Slams, and many players are fans of the season as well.
Madrid Open
The Madrid Open is an annual clay-court tournament held in late spring each year. It is widely regarded as one of the best tournaments of its kind. Furthermore, since Spain is known for producing a large number of clay-court specialists, the tournament serves as a “home event” that many of them look forward to.
Until 2009, the event was open only to men and was held on hard courts for most of its history. However, since 2009 clay courts are used for outdoor competition co-sanctioned by the ATP and WTA.
Miami Open
It’s strange to see the Miami Open go through some changes over the years. In fact, it probably helps to knock it off a few spots on this list. Their old home in Key Biscayne near downtown Miami is gone, replaced by Hard Rock Stadium in the suburbs. The venue is designed with football in mind, but it transforms into a tennis center for two weeks.
