Grand Slam!

Quiet, please, while we take a tour of some of the world's best tennis courts

By Google Arts & Culture

Alice Marble (1939-08) by Gjon MiliLIFE Photo Collection

Competitive tennis around the world culminates in the four Grand Slam tournaments each year.  Here, Street View serves up an ace with tours of the Grand Slam's hallowed venues.

Tap to explore

Margaret Court Arena

The Grand Slam Tour starts here, at Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena, where the Australian Open is held. Opened in 1988 as Show Court One, the arena was refitted in 2011 to feature a retractable roof, to allow players to compete come pouring rain or bright summer shine.

Tap to explore

Court Philippe Chatrier, France

Next up, from late May to early June is the French Open - sometimes known as the Roland-Garros after the former name of the venue. The tournament was founded in 1891, and is notable for the red clay surface.

Tap to explore

Court Philippe Chatrier, France

The clay surface causes the balls to bounce high and slow down - compared to grass or solid courts, making for a a slower, more tactical style of game. Pete Sampras' powerful serves won him 14 Grand Slams, but he never won the French Open.

Tap to explore

Centre Court, England

Centre Court at Wimbledon - or to give it its full name, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. The etiquette of this arena is legendary, as are the refreshments: champagne and strawberries & cream. Cheers!

Tap to explore

It's a popular tournament, but if you didn't manage to get a ticket, you can always go and join the crowds watching the big screens at the Aorangi Terrace, known affectionately as Henman Hill, after the retired British champion Tim Henman.

Tap to explore

Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, USA

The US Open is the last of the four, and one of the oldest. The tournament was first held in 1881 as the US National Championship. The US Open starts on the last Monday of August and continues for two weeks, with the middle weekend coinciding with the US Labor Day holiday.

Tap to explore

Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, USA

The stadium is named after Arthur Ashe, the African-American who won the men's singles title at the inaugural US Open in 1968, the Australian Open in 1970, and Wimbledon in 1975 and who was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985.

Spo Tennis WimbledonLIFE Photo Collection

Limbered up and ready for more sport? Discover how the Modern Olympic Games was born.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

Interested in Fashion?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites