Tournaments
Tennis tournaments beyond the Slams
The Grand Slams get the headlines, but some of the best tennis you can watch happens elsewhere. The season-ending ATP Finals, the grass of Queen's, the desert spectacle of Indian Wells, the national drama of the Davis Cup and the nine Masters 1000 events all offer world-class fields — often with smaller crowds and friendlier prices than a Slam. Here's how each one works and how to plan a trip.
Why look beyond the Grand Slams
The four Slams are the sport's crown jewels, but they are also the hardest and most expensive tickets to get. The wider tour runs from January to November and includes a tier of events that regularly draws the very top players. If you are flexible about which tournament you attend, you open up far more chances to see the biggest names live — sometimes from seats that would be unthinkable at Wimbledon or the US Open.
Tournaments to explore
Five events worth a trip, each with its own character.
ATP Finals
The top eight singles players and doubles teams, indoors, in one week to close the season.
Read GrassQueen's Club
London's grass-court warm-up in the run-up to Wimbledon.
Read CaliforniaIndian Wells
The Masters 1000 in the desert, often called the "fifth Slam".
Read TeamsDavis Cup
The historic men's team competition, played nation against nation.
Read Tour tierMasters 1000
The nine biggest events below the Slams, explained.
ReadHow these events differ from a Slam
- Shorter formats. Most are best-of-three sets in singles, so matches move faster and a session packs in more tennis.
- One main stadium, plus outside courts. Smaller sites mean you are often closer to the action than at a 15,000-seat Slam arena.
- Different surfaces and seasons. Grass in June, hard courts indoors in November, the desert in spring — each has a distinct feel.
- Generally easier access. Many of these events sell tickets directly without a ballot, though the biggest sessions still sell out.
How to pick the right event for you
- By surface. Grass at Queen's, hard courts indoors at the ATP Finals, hard or clay across the Masters 1000 — choose the style of play you enjoy.
- By season. Spring in the desert at Indian Wells, summer grass before Wimbledon, an indoor finale to close the year.
- By atmosphere. The partisan roar of a Davis Cup tie feels nothing like the intensity of a season-ending championship.
- By access. If tickets matter most, the Masters 1000 events and early-round days are usually the easiest way in.