The world’s best known and most prestigious of all the tennis tournaments in the world are the four Grand Slam events.
The four Grand Slam events are: Wimbledon, The US Open, The French Open and The Australian Open.
Trying to separate these Grand Slam events in order of prestige is a little difficult as there are many factors to bear in mind.
Wimbledon
Wimbledon is the oldest of the four tournaments, and it is still played on the sport’s original surface, grass. It retains a great deal of the formality first associated with tennis for instance players must still wear all-white clothing.
- Best attributes
Any tickets going on resale then the funds go directly to charity, and if people leave their places early then their tickets are resold to anybody waiting. This means more people have an opportunity to access the main courts and see the best players.
Wimbledon is immaculately maintained and is in a beautiful surroundings with helpful and knowledgeable staff.
Both Henman Hill and Murray Mound are fantastic open air places to watch matches on the big screens. Wimbledon has also many provisions in case of rain, there are many covered areas and seating.
- Worst attributes
Access to tickets and the uncertain English weather.
Australian Open
- Best attributes
The Melbourne ground has ample seating both on court and in other areas especially around the big screens.
Two of the famous courts have roofs with one more in the planning. The city council work hard in embracing the tournament with plenty of activities outside tennis play. There is featured entertainment and live music every night which adds to the atmosphere.
Transport to and from the event is easy via trams, trains or taxis.
- Worst attributes
The Australian Open is very expensive for semi final or final viewing ($400 for the final), plus getting food after 8pm is also a problem.
US Open
- Best attributes
It is relatively easy to secure tickets and on the first night a great free fireworks show. The US Open also prides itself on a very special signature cocktail: The Grey Goose Honey Deuce Cocktail at $14 is fantastic on a hot day.
More games played later in the day (under lights) than the other Grand Slam events which gives more people a chance to catch up with the action after work.
Public Transport is managed to coincide with the closure of play so spectators do not have to wait for the next subway train.
During the qualifying rounds entry is free and the grounds are set up like they are for the main tournament. It is an opportunity to see some of the stars close up and for free.
- Worst attributes
Seating in the huge Arthur Ashe promenade are the furthest from the court of any Slam event. There is also a distinct lack of ushers for any semblance of crowd control.
Spectators allowances of food and drink is minimal and you are forced to purchase expensive refreshments inside.
French Open
- Best attributes
The scheduled courts for play are really advantageous as they tend to split the top seeds to some of the lower ranked courts to give more people access to their favourite players.
The court assistance is excellent and their rapport with the spectators is first class.
- Worst attributes
Sometime the booing from the crowd is off putting and definitely not sporting. And the continual flaunting of the no smoking regulations can be highly irritable. Plus at Roland Garros the facilities for spectators are probably the worst of all the Grand Slam grounds.
Are you keen to get started playing tennis?
Tennis World North Sydney has a great range of facilities available, including some of the best tennis courts in North Sydney. To find out more, contact our friendly team today!
