There are a very few grass court tournaments on the ATP tour, one of the being Queens Club. This tournament has been voted best 500 level several times by players and attendees. This tournament started the year 1890 and has been viewed as the traditional warmup tournament for Wimbledon. Like Wimbledon, it is one of the most oldest tournaments in the world and one of the most respected tournaments. However, because this tournament is a level 500 tournament, tickets are not as expensive as Wimbledon. Therefore, many tennis fans attend this tournament due to its affordable tickets.

Why Go?

Because Queens Club is a level 500 tournament, it has more of an intimate feel than 1000 level tournaments or Majors. The center court holds a capacity of 6,651, therefore any seat will have a great view.

Another reason is the location of the tournament. The tournament is located in London, England. After watching some great tennis, fans can go sigh seeing all over London! There are so many museums and monuments that are so historical!

 

The Wimbledon Championships, the third major played in the atp tour, is probably the most infamous tournament on the tour. Played in beautiful London, England at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, it is the oldest tournament on tour. This tournament showcases the top op athletes in tennis, along with the up-and-comers, and is steeped in deep history. Players have to play strategically due to the difficult surface change, grass. However, what makes this tournaments so special is its tradition and prestige.

Traditions and Prestige 

Since the beginning of the tournament, in 1872, it has had a strict all white attire dress code for tennis players. This all white dress code is just one of the ways as to why this tournament standouts, since it is the only tournament that has such a strict dress code. Another tradition is the classic mid day snack of strawberries and cream. It is a must get when you’re at the tournament! One of the reasons why this tournament is so prestiges is due to the Royal Family presence. Members of the royal family , and celebrities as well, sit in the Royal Box.

Why Go?

When attending this prestigious tournament, fans are able to see history made and history from the past. It is probably the best tournament the ATP tour offers.

The 2019 Clay season kicks of in the most beautiful tournament of the year, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. Being one of the most intimate 1000 level tournament, it is definitely worth going to the Monte Carlo Masters.

Although a Masters 1000, this tournament has a feel of a 500 level tournament. Due to its stadium holding a capacity of 9,000, any seat will have a great view. Whether it is close to the players or outlooking the beautiful ocean, you wont be dissapointed.

What To Do In the City

Not only is it worth going to the tennis tournament but checking out the city! Because Monte Carlo is so small, you don’t have to make it a week vacation. Only a day or two is sufficient to check out the whole city. One of the places just around the corner of the tournament is the Monte Carlo arena. Walk around to see the million dollar yachts that they have to offer. Another go to place is the infamous Monte Carlo Casino. Guest can go in and gamble and take pictures of this landmark seen in so many famous movies.

Monte Carlo is the most beautiful tournament of the ATP tour. It is definitely worth the visit!

The Mutua Madrid Open, or how tennis enthusiast like to call it La Caja Magica, is one of the 13 clay tournaments during the spring of the ATP tour. It is one of the Masters 1000 played during the year. However, this tournament was not always a clay court tournament. In fact, it has had some interesting surface changes.

The tournament first started out as a hard court tournament. I find this strange because this is one of the tournaments leading up to the French Open. I feel like a surface change weeks before the French Open is not ideal for many players. Playing on clay court is a huge adjustmentwhen playing on hard court. When playing on clay players can expect the surface to: slow down the speed of the ball, reduce the skid of the ball on the surface of the court, and cause a high bounce of the ball. While on a hard surface players expect the surface to: speed up the speed of the ball, the bounce of the ball is high as well as predictable. Therefore the tournament changing their surface to clay was much needed.

What to Do in the City? 

You will never be bored outside of the tournament grounds. There is an abundance of activities to do around the city.Whether you want to see a historical monument or perhaps see a flamenco show. Madrid has everything! A must see is El Palacio Real. Tickets are relatively inexpensive as well! The entrance fee is 5 dollars while group tours are 8 dollars. Another must see in Madrid is a flamenco show. The top places to see these flamenco shows are: Corral de la Morería, Casa Patas, and Torres Bermejas.

Madrid is not only a great place to see tennis but also a great place culturally!

Last year the Miami Open said farewell to its home of Crandon Park Key Biscayne. All in all it was a bitter sweet moment for fans and players. After 32 years in Crandon Park, many players or fans are not ready to leave the grounds of Key Biscayne. I mean who wouldn’t the place is paradise. This tournament has now become a staple of Miami life style.  However, because of recent expansions of other tournaments, like Indian Wells, Miami Open has been looking to expand in order to keep up with competitors. However, they were unable to expand in Key Biscayne do to legal wranglings and environmental concerns. Therefore, for the 2019 tournament Miami Open will be located in Miami Gardens where the Hard Rock Stadium is located.

What to Expect

Because of its new location, many players and fans are concerned with the intimacy that this tournament can provide. Playing in a stadium that holds 65,000 may lose its charm that Key Biscayne was able to fulfill. Tournament Director James Black has informed many news outlets that they will not be filling the stadium to its full capacity. In order to keep that intimate feel with the players and fans, only 14,000 of the 65,000 seats will be filled.

All in all one can see that this tournament will be a better experience for the fans and players. Fans will expect and easier flow when it comes to finding parking. General admission parking more than doubles from 2,500 spaces to 5,166. Premium parking increases from 2,043 to 3,061. And there are 10 times as many overflow spots – from 904 to 9,232. The stadium offers luxury suites. As for the players, Players will be pampered with 30,000 square feet of dining space (more than triple what they have now), a 10,000 square-foot gym (more than triple the size of the current space), 17,000 square feet of locker space and triple the lounge space.

Yes, it is a bitter sweet moment for locals tennis fans in Miami, however its time for some change in Miami. Locals are excited to see the new and improved Miami Open!

 

Not only does Coachella Valley hosts the infamous music festival Coachella, but it also hosts the most anticipated and prestigious 1000 level ATP tournament. If you’re are a devoted tennis fan, you’re aware that the BNP Paribas Open is the fifth largest tournament of the year. Its nickname is “the fifth major,” which it was able to steal from the Miami Open due to its upgrades by owner Larry Ellison.

Why All the Hype?

The BNP Open is a Tennis fan and Tennis Player heaven. This tournament has gone beyond any fan and players expectation.

This tennis players paradise holds 29 tennis courts and two stadiums. With more than 16,000 seats and 44 suites, Stadium 1 is the second largest tennis-specific stadium in the world. Head for Stadium 2, which holds 8,000, and you can dine at Nobu, chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s famous restaurant. Nobu is known for its fusion cuisine blending traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients. Fans are definitely in for a treat! Fine dining and tennis, it can’t get better than that!

Not only are fans in for a treat inside the courts but outside of the courts as well. There are many local restaurants that are worth the trip. Places like La Quinta Cliffhouse or Morgan’s in the dessert, which shows aspects of local cuisine.

Indian Wells is definitely a bucket list tournament!

 

The last couple of years, the ATP has done much of its marketing towards the next generations of tennis stars. It is inevitable that eventually the greats: Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic will eventually retire. Therefore, to show the best of the next generation, the ATP has decided to create a Next Gen Final. This final is similar yet different to the Nitto ATP Final.

The next Gen Final takes place in Milan Italy. I think this vibrant young city is a perfect location for the tournament. The main difference between the two Finals however are the rules. Players must be under the age of 21. This allows the tournament to focus more on the youth of tennis. The Next Gen matches are meant to be played in a fast pace. For example, there are no lines men or ball kids. This is meant to keep the match going. Another example is each set is only 4 games rather than the usual 6. However, the opponent has to win best out of 5 sets.

 

My Worth It Reason

My worth it reason for this match is the environment of the tennis tournament. It is a tournament filled with fresh blood. This type of tournament is great for young tennis fans or young tennis players. They will be able to find their role model and watch them improve their tennis ranking. 

This tournament is a great way to get tennis fans excited for the future of tennis!

The Nitto ATP Final is definitely a unique way to end the atp tennis season. It is similar to the Next Gen Final in Milan. The key difference with this tournament from the rest is that only 8 players qualify. Therefore when one qualifies for this tournament, there game must have been exceptional throughout the year. Not only are guests able to see top tennis, they will be seeing it in the prestigious O2 Arena in London. It really doesn’t get better than that.

My Worth it Reason

My Worth is reason to attend this tournament is simply because of the players. Because the qualifications for this tournament are very high and competitive you’re guaranteed a quality match each time. Attendees will be seeing matches that are usually  quarter final or semifinal matches on day one of the tournament. Matches like these tend to be the most expensive ticket throughout the tournament. However because of the high level of tennis throughout the tournament, there is really no need to spend an extravagant amount on quarter final or semi finals tickets.

Another Worth It reason is the Location of the Tournament. The Tournament is in the infamous O2 Arena in London. Fans are able to get a more intimate experience due to the closed roof as well as the tournament only having one court. It is definitely the most unique location for a tennis tournament. Tennis Fans are able to roam around the streets of London after the match due to the magnificent location. Therefore, tennis fans are able to visit historical sights like westminster abbey or the London Eye.

This tournament is definitely a great way to end the ATP year!

 

The U.S. Open is definitely a unique Major Tennis Tournament. With the Arthur Ashe Stadium filling more than 23,000 seats, it is undoubtedly the largest Major of the year. The location is not to shabby itself. Being held in the Big Apple, there is never a dull moment during this tournament. If you’re are lucky you can see some stars at the tournament. People fly from all over the world to attend this tournament. I mean who wouldn’t? There are an abundance of activities to do on and off the court! However, is it worth spending the money to attend? My worth it reason to go to the US Open are the ticket pricing.

My Worth it Reason

There are a significant amount of options when purchasing US Open Tickets. On the US Open Website, customers are able to purchase ticket packages. One of them being “The Championship Week Sessions” where fans are able to attend the most in demand sessions including: quarterfinals matches, semifinals matches, and the finals. This bundle can be great if you’re are a local or plan on staying in New York longer than a week. An alternative for those staying less than a week is the “Holiday Weekend Bundle,” which gives you day and evening sessions during Labor Day Weekend. However, prices for these packages can be more on the expensive side. Another alternative is purchasing a grounds pass which is only $25 dollars. This ticket does not allow you to see tournaments at the Arthur Ashe Stadium or the Grandstand, however, there are many great matches on the outer courts. Other alternatives for purchasing tickets are websites such as stubhub or seatgeek. These are great alternatives if you just plan on going for one day. 

As you can see there are an abundance of options when purchasing tickets. Whether you’re are looking for cheap tickets or are willing to splurge.

Growing up, my weekends were spent watching tennis with my dad. Since I can remember I either ate breakfast lunch or dinner watching tennis. Later on my parents signed me up for tennis lessons. So as you can tell, tennis is a big part of my childhood. At first I was not tennis’ biggest fan, however, It was inevitable that I would learn to love and appreciate the sport like my dad does. It wasn’t until the infamous 2008 Wimbledon final between the two greats, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, that I became obsessed with the sport just like my dad. From there, my father started taking me to our local tennis tournament, the Miami Open. My father and I would play hookie and spend the whole day watching great tennis.

After years of going to the Miami Open, my father and I decided to venture off to other tournaments around the states. Tournaments like Indian Wells or the US Open. We would plan our vacations around tennis tournaments. Wherever we would go, we would try to find the cheapest tickets just to get a peak of a match.

My goal with this blog is to help other tennis fans find tournaments that are worth going to. Not only that, but to find reasonably priced tournaments to attend to. Over the years I have learned how to find deals on flights, tickets, and hotels when planning out my tennis excursion. I want to share my knowledge with others.