The professional tennis tour spans every continent and most major countries. For tennis lovers, following the tour can become more than just watching sport — it can shape entire holidays.
Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard who will fly long-haul for centre court seats, combining a tournament with a wider city break is one of the best ways to experience the game. The biggest draws are usually the Grand Slams — but beyond those, there are dozens of world-class events worth travelling for.
The Majors (Grand Slams)
These are the bucket-list tournaments. If you’re travelling purely for tennis, it’s usually one of these four.
- Australian Open – Melbourne in January. Summer sun, late-night matches and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Wimbledon Championships – London in early July. Grass courts, strawberries and the most traditional event in the sport.
- French Open – Paris in late May/early June. Clay-court drama at Roland Garros.
- US Open – New York in late August/September. Night sessions and electric energy.
For serious fans, attending all four becomes a lifetime ambition.
Other Popular Global Events
You don’t need a Slam ticket to enjoy world-class tennis. Some tour events are arguably easier, cheaper and more relaxed experiences.
- Queen’s Club Championships – A key Wimbledon warm-up with a more intimate feel.
- Indian Wells Open – Often called the “fifth Slam”, set in the California desert.
- ATP Finals – The year-end showdown featuring the top eight players.
- Davis Cup – National pride, team atmosphere and passionate crowds.
Events like Indian Wells offer resort-style tennis experiences, while the ATP Finals provide guaranteed high-quality matchups from day one.
UK Tennis Destinations
For UK-based fans, there are excellent options without needing a long-haul flight.
- Wimbledon Championships – The pinnacle.
- Queen’s Club Championships – More accessible tickets and close-up action.
- Eastbourne International – Coastal setting and relaxed vibe.
- Nottingham Open – Smaller, friendly, and good value.
Grass season in Britain offers a uniquely traditional tennis experience in a compact window of time.
European City Break Tournaments
If you want to combine tennis with a cultural city break, these tournaments work beautifully:
- • Monte-Carlo Masters – Clay tennis overlooking the Mediterranean.
- • Italian Open – World-class tennis in Rome ahead of Roland Garros.
- • Madrid Open – Big-city atmosphere with altitude-boosted play.
- • Barcelona Open – A more relaxed clay event with strong local support.
These often provide easier ticket access than Slams and can be built into long weekends.
What Makes a Great Tennis Trip?
There are two main approaches:
1. Tournament First
Secure tickets, then build the trip around the schedule. This works best for Slams and high-demand events.
2. Holiday First
Choose a city you want to visit and see if a tournament aligns with your dates. This is often cheaper and less stressful.
Final Thoughts
For tennis lovers, the tour offers a reason to travel almost anywhere in the world. From Melbourne’s summer heat to Wimbledon’s manicured lawns, from desert hard courts to Mediterranean clay, each tournament delivers its own atmosphere.
The Grand Slams are the headline acts. But some of the best experiences — and best value — are often found just below them.
Plan smart, check ticket release dates early, and if possible, build a wider holiday around the matches.
Holiday Nerd 