Grand Slam Tournaments

Grand Slam Tournaments 

There are four Main tennis tournaments that occur throughout the year, these are called grand slams. Each tournament tests players skill, endurance and patience as each tournament plays very differently to the next.

Wimbledon 

The oldest grand slam of all four of these is Wimbledon. It has been held in London since 1877. Wimbledon takes place in Wimbledon, London and is held every year in the midst of summer in July. This grand slam is best known for its traditions and elegance, such as the finely cut and painted grass for the courts, the white dress code, royal patronage. Wimbledon is a highly prestigious tournament where many celebrities and even royal family members attend for a thrilling day out. The grass courts cause a fast, low bouncing ball where it favours players with quick reflexes. Winners each earn 2.7million pounds and the runners up each earn 1.4million pounds. 

The French Open 

The French Open which is also known as Roland-Garros is held in Paris every May into early June. This grand slam is played on a clay court which slows down the ball and increases bounce, for this surface players must have good endurance and allows for constructing points in a more patient way. One individual holds the record of 14 French open titles won and is known as the "king of clay" , this is Rafael Nadal. Both winners of Roland-Garros earn 2.4million pounds and the runners up earn 1.2million pounds. 

The US open 

The US open is held in New York in late August. the US open as well as the Australian open is played on a hard court which makes the ball retain energy and leads to a fast ball play for the players. New York has a very unique energy unlike the other grand slam tournaments. the US open holds night matches and the energy of New York and the massive city's night life results in extremely energetic crowds and an electric and excitable energy. Both winners earn 3.6million pounds and runners up earn 1.8million pounds. 

The Australian open 

The Australian open is held in Melbourne every January. Australian open has hard courts the same as the US open, however the Australian open is knows for its extreme temperatures as it is played in the summer of Australia where it can get above 40 degrees celsius. This puts a massive strain on players stamina and fitness during hour long games in this heat. The Australian open used to be played on a grass court up until 1987 when they switched to hard courts. Both winners earn 3.15million pounds and runners up earn 1.7million pounds.