FAQ
What is a Grand Slam in tennis?
A Grand Slam means winning one of the four majors: Wimbledon, the French Open, the US Open or the Australian Open. Winning all four in a single calendar year is the calendar Grand Slam, achieved by Budge, Laver twice, Connolly, Court and Graf, whose 1988 sweep added Olympic gold for the Golden Slam.
How many Grand Slam tournaments are there each year?
Four, played in this order: the Australian Open in January, the French Open in May and June, Wimbledon in late June and July, and the US Open in August and September. Each runs about two weeks with 128 player singles draws.
What is the difference between the ATP and the WTA?
The ATP is the Association of Tennis Professionals, governing the men tour since 1972. The WTA is the Womens Tennis Association, founded by Billie Jean King in 1973 for women. Both run rankings, Finals events and tournament tiers, and award points on similar 52 week rolling systems.
What is the Open Era?
The Open Era began in 1968 when the major tournaments admitted professionals, ending the amateur only era. Before 1968, great champions like Laver, Rosewall and Gonzales were barred from the majors for years. Open Era records start in 1968, which is why Serena with 23 holds the Open Era womens record while Margaret Court holds 24 overall.
Which player has won the most Grand Slam titles?
Margaret Court holds the womens record with 24 major singles titles. Novak Djokovic holds the mens record with 24. In the Open Era only, Serena Williams leads women with 23. Rafael Nadal holds the record for a single event with 14 French Opens.
Why is Wimbledon played on grass?
Wimbledon has been played on grass since 1877 because the All England Club, originally a croquet club, staged the first championship on its lawns. Grass is the traditional surface of the sport and Wimbledon is now the only major played on it. Players wear white by rule and the surface keeps the points short and the footwork honest.