The Four Majors

For those new to tennis or just unsure of the structure of the pro tour, this post is for you. Tennis is basically a year-round sport. The first tournaments of the year start in January and the season typically ends in November, although there are some smaller tournaments between November and January as well. Most players have a 6-week off-season, which we could spend a whole post just talking about the schedule. But that's not why we're here now. If you're watching tennis on major TV networks, not the tennis channel, you are likely watching one of the four majors. Here's some info to help you become more well-versed at the nuances and significance of each tournament.

Australian Open

• Dates: from mid-January through early February
• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Court surface: hard court
• What makes it special: first slam of the year, extreme heat & humidity, party atmosphere

French Open (Roland Garros)

• Dates: from mid-May through early June
• Location: Paris, France
• Court surface: clay court
• What makes it special: Parisian fans and atmosphere, physical/demanding rallies on clay, history of the city and tennis in France

Wimbledon

• Dates: Early-through mid July
• Location: London, England
• Court surface: grass court
• What makes it special: prestigious tournament (world's oldest), traditional all-white attire, royalty, strawberries and cream, fast grass court tennis

US Open

• Dates: Late August through mid-September
• Location: New York City, USA
• Court surface: hard court
• What makes it special: late-night matches, party atmosphere, superstars in attendance, Arthur Ashe Stadium (largest tennis venue)

Each major is fun and exciting in its own way. Generally speaking, hard court matches will showcase high-level tennis because of predictable bounces and solid footing for the players to display their skills. Clay court tennis will slow the ball down from hard courts and players can slide on the surface, resulting in longer rallies. Grass courts will be faster than hard courts with a lower bounce, resulting in shorter rallies and quicker play. Knowing the differences of each surface and tournament enhance the tennis viewing experience!