The four Grand Slam tournaments represent the highest level of achievement in professional tennis. Held annually in Australia, France, the United Kingdom and the United States, the majors award 2,000 ranking points to singles champions and define the structure of the global tennis calendar.
The Grand Slams are:
- Australian Open
- Roland Garros (French Open)
- Wimbledon
- US Open
Each event features a 128-player singles draw, best-of-five sets in men’s singles, and the largest prize pools in the sport.
What Makes a Tournament a Grand Slam
Grand Slams differ from other tournaments on the ATP and WTA tours in several key ways:
- 2,000 ranking points awarded to singles champions
- 128-player singles draws
- Best-of-five sets in men’s singles
- Independent governance by national tennis bodies
- Two-week tournament duration
They are not operated by the ATP or WTA, but by national federations in partnership with tour structures.
The Four Grand Slams
Australian Open
Location: Melbourne
Surface: Hard court
Calendar position: January
See our full Australian Open Guide for format and structure details.
Roland Garros
Location: Paris
Surface: Clay
Calendar position: May–June
See our full Roland Garros Guide for clay-court structure and format.
Wimbledon
Location: London
Surface: Grass
Calendar position: June–July
See our full Wimbledon Guide for grass-court structure and traditions.
US Open
Location: New York
Surface: Hard court
Calendar position: August–September
See our full US Open Guide for format and scheduling details.
Ranking Points at Grand Slams
All four majors award identical ranking points:
- Champion: 2,000
- Finalist: 1,300
- Semifinalist: 800
- Quarterfinalist: 400
- Fourth Round: 200
These points are critical in the 52-week ATP and WTA ranking systems and often determine year-end No. 1 positions.
How Surfaces Shape the Season
Surface variation is central to the sport:
- Hard courts: Medium pace, balanced play
- Clay: Slower, higher bounce, longer rallies
- Grass: Faster, lower bounce, serve-dominant
A player’s ability to adapt across surfaces plays a significant role in legacy and historical standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Grand Slams are there?
Four.
Do men and women earn the same ranking points?
Yes, 2,000 points for champions in singles.
Are Grand Slams run by the ATP and WTA?
No. They are organized by national federations in partnership with the tours.
Which is the oldest Grand Slam?
Wimbledon, first held in 1877
