Grand Slam

The term Grand Slam refers to the 4 most prestigious tournaments in the game of tennis. These are Australian Open, French Open or Roland Garros, All England Lawn Tennis Championships or Wimbledon and the United States Open.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN

This is the 1st Slam played in the tennis calendar every year. The Australian Open is played in January at the famous stadium known as Melbourne Park in the city of Melbourne. The tournament has a history of 114 years as it was started in 1905. The event is played on hard courts.

The finals of the Australian Open are played at its most decorated court named as the Rod Laver Arena after the Australian tennis legend Rod Laver. Other important court in the tournament is named after Margaret Court and is known as the Margaret Court Arena.

Novak Djokovic has been the most successful Champion at the Australian Open in the Open Era winning the tournament 7 times. Roger Federer and Roy Emerson have also dominated the tournament 6 times each. In the Women’s section Margaret Court has won the Australian Open a record 11 times.

FRENCH OPEN

The tournament is more famous by the name of Roland Garros, a French aviator during World War 1 who flew across the Mediterranean Sea. The tournament has a rich history of above 120 years as it is being played since 1897. It is the only Slam to be played on clay and is described as hardest tournament to win among all 4 Slams. Many players call Roland Garros as the elusive Grand Slam.

The tournament is played in the idyllic city of Paris in May-June every year at the stadium known as Stade Roland Garros. The most important courts at the French Open are named after Philippe Chatrier and Suzanne Lenglen, both past French tennis legends.

Rafael Nadal has been the most successful Men’s Champion at Roland Garros in the Open Era winning it 11 times and counting. He is followed by Bjorn Borg who won 6 French Open titles. Chris Evert is the most successful female at the French Open in the Open Era winning it 7 times.

WIMBLEDON

For the game of lawn tennis, there is no better symbol than Wimbledon. The All England Tennis Championships played on grass is the oldest Major in history of the sport, being played since 1877. It is the only Major to be played on grass and is described by many players as the most prestigious tennis tournament.

Unlike other tournaments Wimbledon has some unique tradition like White Clothing, Strawberries and Cream, the Royal Box etc. Also, unlike other Slams Wimbledon does not name its courts after anyone. The Championship are held in July every year at the All England Tennis Club with its most important court simply called as Centre Court.
Roger Federer is the most successful Wimbledon Champion of the Open Era with 8 titles to his name. Pete Sampras stands 2nd among Men with 7 trophies. Among the Women Martina Navratilova leads with 9 singles titles.

US OPEN

The US Open is the last Grand Slam of the tennis calendar being held in the months of August and September. It is the 2nd oldest Major in history, being played since 1881. The US Open is famous for giving the highest prize money among all slams.

The tournament is held at Flushing Meadows in New York and is played on Hard Courts. The stadium which holds this prestigious event is known as Billie Jean King Tennis Centre. It is the world’s biggest tennis stadium with famous courts like Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong.
In the Open Era Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer have won 5 US Open titles each. In the ladies section Chris Evert and Serena Williams lead the board with 6 titles each.