Grand Slam’s favorite Grand Slams
“These are a few of our favorite things…”
Traveling to a Grand Slam is an unforgettable experience no matter who you are, or which one you are attending. Whether it be the way the ball skips off the grass on Centre Court at Wimbledon, the sound of a John Isner 145MPH serve blasted down the T on Arthur Ashe in front of thousands of screaming supporters, or the simple pleasures of waking up down under and going walkabout around Rod Laver Arena, everyone has their favourite thing about each Grand Slam.
Although very few people have the opportunity to travel to each of the four Grand Slams of the year, every person has that one thing about the tournaments they have attended that they find simply unforgettable. Luckily, your tour experts at Grand Slam Tennis Tours have had the absolute pleasure of being able to attend all four of the biggest tennis events on earth. We’ve quizzed them during their busy days here in Stowe in order to help you pick which of the Grand Slams you will experience during your next tennis adventure.
Our question to them was: What is your favorite thing about each of the Grand Slams?Andrew Chmura
President, partner at Topnotch Management
Australian Open
The grounds at the Australian Open are incredibly interactive and the staff and patrons are incredible. Throughout the whole two weeks, tennis dominates the entire city of Melbourne—this is the event of the year in Melbourne, and you can definitely tell.
French Open
The single best thing about the French Open without a doubt is watching the tennis. This may sound silly, but the red clay at the French allows the best players in the world to craft longer and more creative points while using every square inch of the court. All of the different trajectories and angles on clay just make for mesmerizing points that won’t soon be forgotten.
Wimbledon
Stepping inside the gates of Wimbledon is a special moment for every tennis fan. Whether it is your first time or your thirtieth, there is a feeling inside the grounds that you just never get over. It’s like entering the cathedral of tennis.
US Open
The US Open is a celebration of tennis. It feels like a literal tennis party! Especially the night sessions on Arthur Ashe; it feels like you are sitting in the colosseum watching gladiators battle it out for supremacy. The US Open is a place to both watch, and be seen.
Kyle
Public Relations/Marketing, Tournament Director
Australian Open
I always find it so cool that you can get out of your bed in the Langham Hotel and be in your seats on RLA in 15 minutes. It’s such an accessible tournament, located right in downtown Melbourne.
French Open
The story line of Nadal vs. everyone else makes for a fascinating tournament year in and year out.
Wimbledon
There is so much history inside the gates of the All-England Club. I love watching the small outside courts and listening to the sound of the ball thudding on the grass, just as it has for a century. It feels like you’ve transported to another time.
US Open
The buzz you get sitting courtside at an Arthur Ashe night session is simply electric. You feel like you’re a star, a celebrity, an icon.
Chris
Finance
Australian Open
Everybody always just seems so happy around the grounds, it is an unbelievably fun atmosphere the entire time you are there. Plus you get to have sunny high temperatures and outdoor tennis… In January! How can you beat that?!
French Open
It’s Paris! Need I say more?
Wimbledon
I love the echoing sound of the best players in the world thumping balls while our group sits in the beautiful British summer weather having brunch at our Hospitality House right outside the gates of Wimbledon. In my opinion, it is the closest thing to being royalty one can experience.
US Open
The electricity of nighttime matches, the sheer size of the stadium, and the fun of exploring the city without the fear of getting lost, thanks to the mathematical grid that is New York City. Oh, and Broadway!
James
Sales
Australian Open
The Australian Open reminds me of the US Open, but with a more dry heat and room to breathe. Melbourne food and drink, the easy access to the city, and the boisterous Australian crowd make spectating all the more enjoyable.
French Open
Champagne and clay court tennis—what more could you ask for? The French Open is the most compact of all Grand Slam grounds, and it gives you a first-hand look at Parisian culture and lifestyle.
Wimbledon
A five-star experience from start to finish. Just the opportunity to see the time and effort put into the Wimbledon grounds and perfect courts is alone worth the visit. Combine that with the history of the greatest tennis tournament of all time, and Wimbledon is a must-visit for any tennis fan.
US Open
There is no energy in the world quite like a deciding fifth set at night on Arthur Ashe; it’s truly an experience that can only be felt first-hand.
Guillaume
Sales
Australian Open
I love the coziness of the setting in Melbourne. From the five-star Langham Hotel to the excellent fusion of foods found only in Australian cuisine, everything about Melbourne makes both the guests and our staff comfortable and happy. Short walks from the rooms to the venue, the immaculate Kooyong Club, and the incredible options to travel and visit unique places all around Australia and New Zealand all leave us waiting for our next trip down under.
French Open
The atmosphere while courtside on the ‘terre battue’, French drinks like the Monaco (light lager with grenadine sirup) or Perrier with lime, and the players sliding on the red clay all make the French Open a classic, must-visit event.
Wimbledon
You can feel historic legacy while sitting on Centre Court. Everything is impeccable, the green is flawless, everybody is well-dressed, the food is incredible, and the tennis is awe-inspiring.
US Open
Grandiose stadiums, an electric atmosphere, huge screens, and the feeling of partaking in a giant celebration with fireworks and all the American extravaganza that New York has to offer. It’s such a cultural experience both for foreign visitors and Americans alike.
Laura
Creative
Australian Open
When you go to the Australian Open from our home in the Northern Hemisphere, you get to escape the seemingly-endless depths of winter to the summer for two weeks. Plus, for travel enthusiasts such as myself, there’s also the option to “wander down under” and explore greater Oceania when you’ve gotten your fill of amazing hard-court tennis.
French Open
I cannot overstate how much I love the food in Paris. Furthermore, it’s an awesome city, and it’s so easy to get around to all the thousands of sights on the Métro.
Wimbledon
The pristine grounds and the packed outer courts at Wimbledon are something else, but I love the atmosphere at our Grand Slam House. Tennis fans enjoying drinks and food, talking tennis, and acting like excited children on Christmas morning. And, most importantly—our private chef Milli Taylor. All of her tasty creations knock my socks off year in and year out. (Have you figured out that I like food yet?)
US Open
Everyone says it, but the grounds of the US Open at night are really a blast. Plus, Manhattan might be my favorite place on Earth. (Yes, partially because of the restaurants.)
Michael
Operations
Australian Open
As the first slam of the year, the Australian Open always feels so unpredictable. Who will win? Who will make deep runs? Are we watching someone set the tone for their upcoming season? It’s always a guessing game.
French Open
You have to love the rallies on clay. Long, complex, and oh-so-fascinating.
Wimbledon
It’s royalty, luxury, history, and elegance—it’s Wimbledon. The tennis is simply different here. You’ll likely note the lack of jumbo screens, the polite crowds, and of course the jaw dropping action. Taking in a point on Centre Court is as pure of a tennis watching experience as one can get.
US Open
It always feels like there are so many storylines at the US Open. Everyone is trying to end their Slam season on a high and we, the fans, get to revel in the upsets, the five-setters, the winners, and the heartbreaks. Just try not to get too caught up watching the infamously rowdy Arthur Ashe crowd!
And what about you?
What are the elements of each Slam that you most look forward to? What can’t you wait to experience in person? Which Slam is next on your list? And when will you join us?
