adrenaline-pumping
The sport of tennis
The term “Grand Slam” in sports refers to a player winning all four major championships in a particular sport within a calendar year. While this term is often associated with tennis, it can be applied to various sports.
In tennis, the four Grand Slam tournaments are the Australian Open, French Open (Roland Garros), Wimbledon, and the US Open. Each tournament is held in a different location and played on a different type of court.
Winning all four tournaments in a single calendar year is known as a “Calendar Grand Slam,” while winning all four events but not in the same calendar year is referred to as a “Career Grand Slam.”
Only a few players in tennis history have achieved the Calendar Grand Slam, including Rod Laver, who achieved it twice (in 1962 and 1969), and more recently, Serena Williams (in 2002-03) and Novak Djokovic (in 2015-16).
The sport has witnessed some of the greatest matches in the history, and players have set records that are hard to beat. The most prestigious and sought-after achievement for any tennis player is winning a Grand Slam singles title. The top of this list is dominated by some remarkable players who have made tennis history. On the men’s side, the race for the most Grand Slam titles is currently led by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, all with an impressive 20 titles each.
Following them are the legendary Pete Sampras, with 14 titles and Roy Emerson, at 12 titles. Similarly, on the women’s side, the iconic Margaret Court holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles at 24, followed closely by Serena Williams with 23 titles. The great Steffi Graf is ranked third, with 22 titles, and Helen Willis, with 19 titles, has fourth place. Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova are tied at 18 titles, and Billie Jean King follows with 12 titles. These players have left behind a lasting legacy in the sport of tennis, and their achievements are celebrated by fans and players all over the world.
four big competitions.
1. Australian Open
When: 15.01.2024 – 28.01.2024
Prize: AU$86.5 million
The Australian Open is an internationally renowned tennis tournament that forms part of the four Grand Slam tournaments and annually takes place in Melbourne, Australia. Commencing the tennis calendar year, this tournament spans around two weeks and culminates with the finals taking place in the last weekend of January.
Held in the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Precinct, the tournament’s primary stadiums include the Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Arena, and Margaret Court Arena. As for the courts, the Australian Open is played on the well-known hard courts, specifically the Plexicushion surface.
Offering medium-to-fast pace and consistent bounces, this tournament accommodates a range of competitions, including men’s and women’s singles and doubles, mixed doubles, junior and wheelchair events. Most winners receive a substantial share of the overall prize purse.
The tournament’s history dates back to 1905, and it became part of the Open Era in tennis in 1969 when professionals were allowed to compete alongside amateurs. The atmosphere is highly charged, with enthusiastic crowds cheering on their favorite players, making for an unforgettable experience.
Australian Open 2024 prize money
*All prize money amounts are in Australian dollars unless specified
SINGLES – men’s and women’s
(Per player – 128 draw)
Winner | $3,150,000 |
Runner-up | $1,725,000 |
Semifinalists | $990,000 |
Quarterfinalists | $600,000 |
Round of 16 | $375,000 |
Round of 32 | $255,000 |
Round of 64 | $180,000 |
First Round | $120,000 |
QUALIFYING SINGLES – men’s and women’s
(Per player – 128 draw)
Round of 32 | $65,000 |
Round of 64 | $44,100 |
First Round | $31,250 |
DOUBLES – men’s and women’s
(Per team – 64 draw)
Winner | $730,000 |
Runner-up | $400,000 |
Semifinalists | $227,500 |
Quarterfinalists | $128,000 |
Round of 16 | $75,000 |
Round of 32 | $53,000 |
First Round | $36,000 |
MIXED DOUBLES
(Per team – 32 draw)
Winner | $165,000 |
Runner-up | $94,000 |
Semifinalists | $50,000 |
Quarterfinalists | $26,500 |
Round of 16 | $13,275 |
First Round | $6,900 |
2. French Open
When: 20.05.2024 – 09.06.2024
Prize: U/A
Tickets: from 12€
The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, is an annual tennis tournament that is held in Paris, France. It is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments that take place each year and is held as the second major championship of the tennis calendar year. The tournament has a significant history, starting from 1891, and has become a Grand Slam event since the Open Era began in tennis in 1968, which enabled the participation of both professionals and amateurs alike. The tournament venue is the Stade Roland Garros, which is a complex located in the western part of Paris. The facility is named after Roland Garros, who was a French aviator and World War I hero. The tennis complex has several courts, including Philippe Chatrier, Suzanne Lenglen, and Court 1. The French Open is known for being held on a clay court surface, which is the only Grand Slam tournament to do so. The red clay surface used at Roland Garros is known for being slower and providing a higher bounce, which provides a unique challenge for the players.
The French Open tournament typically takes place in late May and early June, spanning over two weeks, with the finals being held on the last weekend of the competition. There are several events that take place, including men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Additionally, there are also junior and wheelchair events. The tournament has many traditions, with the red clay surface being one of them, the Chatrier Award, which is given for outstanding contributions to tennis, and the iconic trophy, the Musketeers’ Cup.
The French Open has become known for producing long matches due to the slow nature of the clay courts, making it physically demanding for the players. Many tennis legends have made their mark at the French Open, with Rafael Nadal being particularly dominant on the clay courts of Roland Garros, winning numerous titles and making him one of the most successful players in the tournament’s history. The French Open is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious events in the tennis calendar, with its challenging conditions and historic venue contributing to its special place in the world of tennis.
Plan your holiday beforehand.
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3. Wimbledon
When: 01.07.2024 – 24.07.2024
Prize: N/A
Tickets: from £20
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) in the Wimbledon district of London, United Kingdom is said to be a picturesque venue for the annual Wimbledon tournament. Main courts include Centre Court, No. 1 Court, and No. 2 Court, holding men’s and women’s singles competitions, men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles, junior and invitational events. Unlike any other Grand Slam event, Wimbledon is played on grass courts.
Players who excel in skills of serve-and-volley games have a better chance to win as the grass creates a low-bouncing and slippery surface. The tournament’s rich tradition and history date back to 1877 making it the oldest tennis tournament in the world.
The Royal Box is often graced by members of the British royal family and players adhere to a strict dress code. Wimbledon is also synonymous with strawberries and cream, grass-court tennis, rain delays requiring Centre Court and No. 1 Court to have retractable roofs, and has seen many iconic moments and matches created by legendary players such as Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Martina Navratilova, and Serena Williams.
4. US Open
When: 26.08.2024 – 08.09.2024
Prize: N/A
Did you know that the US Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments and is held annually in New York City, United States? It is the fourth and final major championship of the tennis calendar year. The tournament takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York City.
The main stadium is Arthur Ashe Stadium, and other significant courts include Louis Armstrong Stadium and the Grandstand. The US Open is played on hard courts, specifically DecoTurf. Hard courts provide a medium-to-fast playing surface with a consistent bounce.
The US Open is known for its night sessions, where matches are played under the lights. This has become a distinctive feature of the tournament and contributes to its vibrant and electrifying atmosphere. In addition to the tennis action, the US Open often features entertainment events, including musical performances, during the tournament. The US Open is a major highlight in the tennis calendar, drawing top players from around the world year after year and is highly anticipated event in the sport.
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