The Golden Rules for Attending a Grand Slam Tennis Tournament

Exploring the World of Tennis

Grand Slam tennis is unlike any other sport. Rather than just one major tournament, there are hundreds of matches across four prestigious tennis events known as the Grand Slams. This variety allows fans to create their own unique experiences, whether it's hopping between matches, cheering for a favorite player, or simply exploring the venue, indulging in delicious food, and discovering unique shops.

This flexibility is what makes tennis such an exciting sport to travel for. According to sports journalist Chris Oddo, interest in tennis events is at an all-time high. The French Open - Roland Garros, running until June 7, is drawing significant attention from fans.

Remarkable Growth

The Australian Open in Melbourne recently set a new attendance record with 1.37 million spectators, a 14% increase from the previous year. The tournament's weekend also saw a 20% rise in American tourists. Other Grand Slams, like the US Open, are experiencing an unprecedented surge in fan attendance.

Therefore, when attending a Grand Slam, there are a few important points to keep in mind to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Arrive Early to the Tournament

Grand Slam tournaments usually follow a knockout format, meaning the number of matches decreases over time. Jessica Pegula, the world’s No. 4 player, advises fans to attend during the early days of the tournament. "You’ll get to see more matches, and ticket prices are often lower," she shares.

Look for Affordable Tickets

Ticket prices for these events have surged in recent years. For the 2026 Roland Garros, some tickets are priced around 95 euros (approximately 2.3 million VND). Meanwhile, Wimbledon tickets are currently only available through ticket holders, starting at 1,195 pounds (about 35 million VND).

Nicolas Pereira, a former professional player, suggests fans should only purchase tickets from official websites to avoid scams.

Make the Most of Event Day

Tommy Haas, director of the BNP Paribas Open, warns that fans should plan to take full advantage of everything their ticket offers. "Arrive as soon as the gates open to explore practice courts, food options, and shops," he advises.

Prepare for Changing Weather

Weather can change quickly during tennis tournaments. With scorching sun and occasional rain, being well-prepared is essential. "Prioritize your health—stay hydrated, eat well, and don’t underestimate the sun’s impact," Oddo emphasizes.

Use Public Transportation

With tens of thousands of attendees each day, using public transport not only saves time and money but also adds to the experience. Uzo Aduba, a famous actress, recommends taking the subway to the US Open as a must-do experience.

Helpful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

For Vietnamese travelers wishing to attend Grand Slam events, be sure to prepare your visa documents if necessary. A Schengen visa may be required if you're heading to France for Roland Garros, costing around 80 euros (about 2 million VND). For flights, you can find round-trip tickets from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Paris for approximately 15-20 million VND.

When attending, plan your schedule in advance and check the match timings. Summer is an ideal time to attend a Grand Slam, but be aware of the potential for sudden weather changes.

Try to participate in activities outside the court, where many exciting programs and services are available.

One handy tip is to always check match times and locations, as well as the weather forecast, to ensure the best possible experience.

Article adapted and referenced from: Condé Nast Traveler