The four Grand Slams are the biggest tournaments in tennis — the events every player dreams of winning. Held across three continents and four very different surfaces, they define careers and crown the sport’s legends. Here’s a quick guide.
Australian Open (January)
The season-opener in Melbourne, played on hard courts in the southern-hemisphere summer. Known for extreme heat and a lively, festival-like atmosphere.
Roland-Garros / French Open (May–June)
The only major played on clay, in Paris. Slow, high-bouncing courts reward stamina and patience, producing long, physical rallies and rewarding specialists who master the surface.
Wimbledon (June–July)
The oldest and most prestigious tournament, played on grass in London. Famous for its traditions — all-white dress code, strawberries and cream, and a fast surface that favours powerful serving.
US Open (August–September)
The loud, electric finale to the Grand Slam season in New York, on hard courts. Night sessions under the lights and raucous crowds make it the most spectacle-driven of the four.
Why the Slams Matter Most
Grand Slam titles are the primary measure of greatness in tennis. They carry the most ranking points, the largest prize money and the deepest fields — which is why a player’s major count is the number history remembers.