Grand Slam Tennis Guide: What the Four Majors Are All About

If you’ve ever heard people rave about the "Grand Slam" and wondered what makes those events so special, you’re in the right spot. A Grand Slam isn’t just a fancy term – it refers to the four biggest tennis tournaments that every player dreams of winning.

The four majors are the Australian Open, French Open (Roland Garros), Wimbledon, and the US Open. Each one has its own vibe: the Australian Open brings scorching heat, Roland Garros is famous for its slow clay courts, Wimbledon is the only grass court and has that classic British feel, and the US Open wraps up the season on fast hard courts.

Why Grand Slams Matter for Rankings and Money

Winning a Grand Slam gives a player 2,000 ranking points – the highest single‑tournament boost you can get. That means a good run at any major can vault a player up the rankings, sometimes even into the top ten. Money-wise, the prize pool runs into the millions, with champions pocketing several million dollars.

Even if you’re just a fan, knowing the point system helps you understand why a player might stress a little more at Wimbledon than at a smaller ATP or WTA event. The stakes are massive, and the drama is real.

How to Watch the Grand Slams Without Missing a Beat

Most of the time, the big broadcasters have exclusive rights – think ESPN for the US Open, Eurosport for the French Open, and the BBC for Wimbledon. But you don’t always need a pricey cable package. Many platforms offer free trials, and some tournaments stream a few matches for free on their official websites.

If you’re on a budget, look for the ATP Tennis TV app. It often has a free tier that lets you watch select matches, especially early‑round games. For full coverage, a month‑long subscription to a sports streaming service usually works out cheaper than a yearly cable plan.

Don’t forget the time zones. The Australian Open is played in the evening for European viewers, while Wimbledon’s finals are early morning in the US. Setting a reminder on your phone can save you from missing that final set tiebreak.

Bottom line: Grand Slams are the crown jewels of tennis. Knowing the four tournaments, the points they offer, and how to catch the action makes you a smarter fan and gives you more reasons to enjoy every serve, rally, and championship point.