Tickets

How to buy tennis tickets

Buying tennis tickets can be confusing: every tournament sells differently, the best seats vanish in minutes, and the resale market is full of traps. This is your starting point — a clear map of how tickets are released, where to buy safely, when sales open, and what makes one seat cost far more than another.

Updated 2026-06-11 · 2 min read

Start here

There is no single way to buy a tennis ticket. The four Grand Slams each run their own system, the big tour events sell through different platforms, and a handful of tournaments — Wimbledon above all — use a public ballot months in advance. Before you spend anything, it helps to understand which route applies to the event you want to see. The guides below walk through each one.

The essentials

Four short guides that cover the whole buying journey.

How the buying routes compare

Most tennis tickets reach the public through one of four channels. Knowing which applies to your event tells you when to act and how much competition to expect.

RouteHow it worksBest for
Official general saleTickets released directly by the tournament on set dates, first come first served.Most tour events and many Grand Slam sessions.
Ballot / lotteryYou register in advance; a random draw decides who can buy.Wimbledon, and high-demand finals at some events.
Official resaleVerified fans resell unwanted tickets through an approved platform.Sold-out events where you missed the original sale.
Hospitality & packagesPremium seats bundled with food, drink and access, sold by official agents.Guaranteed entry, comfort, and big matches.

Availability and exact mechanics vary by tournament and year — always confirm on the official site.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the safest place to buy tennis tickets?
The official tournament website or its named ticketing partner is always the safest starting point. For sold-out events, an official or authorised resale platform is the next best option. Avoid private sellers and unofficial marketplaces, where tickets can be invalid.
Do I need to buy tickets months in advance?
For ballot events like Wimbledon, yes — registration opens long before the tournament. For most other events, tickets go on general sale a few months ahead, and some remain available much closer to the date.
Are tennis tickets expensive?
It depends entirely on the tournament, the court, the round and the session. Early-round outside-court tickets are far cheaper than a final on the main show court. Our prices guide explains what drives the difference without quoting figures that quickly go out of date.
Can I resell a tennis ticket I can no longer use?
Often yes, but only through the official resale channel for that event, if one exists. Reselling outside approved channels can breach the terms and may void the ticket. See our resale and transfers guide.