If you are a tennis fan, then the simplest thing you can do is get connected with the game by visiting the sport’s most legendary destinations. For example, the Wimbledon grass courts or Monte-Carlo’s Mediterranean club both have a different story, culture, and vibe that go perfectly with the spirit of tennis.
Whether you want to watch a Grand Slam in person, play an exhibition at a world-renowned training academy or even play on some court where a legend left a legacy, this bucket list of tennis includes the 7 best tennis destinations in the world.
1. Wimbledon – London, United Kingdom
Founded in 1877, Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament that is played on grass. The All England Lawn Tennis Club is not just a venue but a symbol of tennis tradition. Even when there are no tournaments, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is still the epitome of tennis history.
Places to Visit There:
- Centre Court & No.1 Court: Get an experience of the arena where the great players like Federer, Nadal and Serena have played their tournaments and marked their presence.
- Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum: It displays antique rackets, trophies and interactive exhibits to celebrate tennis. It also illustrates how grass courts are maintained.
- Wimbledon Village & Common: Great for winding down after a tour with boutique stores and nice cafés. It is where you may spot players while they are running through the tournaments.
- The Championships Shop: You can get official Wimbledon kits and souvenirs for your family and friends from this place with an authentic Wimbledon vibe.
Travel Tip: Tour bookings are done through Wimbledon’s official site and if you are going to The Queue, make sure you have planned your day well. Watching matches on The Hill (Murray Mound) is a must for getting a genuine local vibe.
2. Roland-Garros – Paris, France
The French Open, known for its difficulty and the surface of slow red clay. It is the most superior clay-court. On the other hand, dummy clay or artificial clay only rewards those players who display patience, endurance, and precision, the qualities that made legends like Nadal and Borg champions. Its name is derived from the name of French aviator Roland Garros himself and is part of France’s national pride and tennis legacy.
Places to Visit There:
- Stade Roland-Garros: On a tour, you can visit the Philippe-Chatrier and Suzanne-Lenglen Courts to experience where the major matches took place, also known for its architecture.
- Roland-Garros Museum: Discover the history of French tennis with video clips being projected on giant curved screens. Various tennis sculptures and modern installations are being exhibited. This includes French tennis memorabilia dating back to the 1920s
Travel Tip: Guided tours are available all year, but if you are coming for the French Open, be sure to buy tickets long before the day of the event to be safe.
3. Australian Open Tournament – Melbourne, Australia
The Happy Slam is the nickname for the Australian Open, which is the start of the tournament every January and is hosted at Melbourne Park. It is known for its friendly ambiance, advanced technology and retractable roofs, best suitable for the night matches.
Places to Visit There:
- Melbourne Park & Rod Laver Arena: Visit player warm-up rooms, media conference halls, underground corridors, and the iconic tunnel leading players into the arena. You may be permitted to access the retractable roof control room.
- Margaret Court & John Cain Arenas: You can visit these major match venues with the great vibe of the crowd.
Travel Tip: Freshly resurfaced courts will be available for play if you come in late January or February.
4. US Open Grand Slam – New York, USA
National Tennis Center, the US Open is the last Grand Slam in the calendar year and retains the New York spirit- exuberant and animated, with memories that will last for a time. There is always one highlight accurately described as taking place “under the lights” at Arthur Ashe, the largest tennis stadium in the world- the best and most thrilling matches.
Places to Visit There:
- Arthur Ashe Stadium: The world’s largest tennis stadium provides a guided tour providing insight into areas normally off-limits to the public.
- Louis Armstrong & Grandstand Courts: Great for very close and personal viewing, with a partially retractable-roof venue, is great for mid-sized matches. Fans can get very close to the action, and tours cover its unique cooling system designed for humid New York summers.
Travel Tip: If you are looking forward to the session, have a look at the USTA schedule beforehand.
5. Monte-Carlo Country Club – Monaco / French Riviera
The Monte-Carlo Country Club – which is where the Monte-Carlo Masters is played, is not one of those tennis destinations without a stunning view. The club is high up on the Mediterranean, and boasts clay courts with a view, where Tennis meets the luxury of the Riviera.
Places to Visit There:
- Monte-Carlo Country Club: By playing or seeing matches, you have the sea as your beautiful background. It is one of the most picturesque courts in the world.
- Monte-Carlo Masters Grounds: Every April, come and see the best players competing for the trophy. With merchandise shops, gourmet food stalls, player meet-and-greet zones, and training-court viewing, fans get the best experience.
Travel Tip: Go for traveling by coastal train, you travel to Nice or Beaulieu-sur-Mer, so plan your stay accordingly.
6. Rafa Nadal Academy – Manacor, Mallorca, Spain
The Rafael Nadal Academy is founded by world-class player, Rafael Nadal, the former tennis player in his hometown. It is every player’s dream to achieve like him and be trained like this champion. Also, they offer you elite coaches, modern fitness programs and on-site accommodation for everyone from elite professionals to avid amateurs.
Places to Visit There:
- Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience: From Nadal’s childhood rackets to Nadal’s Grand Slam trophies, you may also experience VR and motion-sensing games.
- Rafa Nadal Gym and Sports Science Centre: Get a guided tour of the gym where Rafal Nadal trains himself
Travel Tip: For quick access to courts, gyms, and the museum, be sure to stay at the on-site sports residential.
7. Tuscany & Italian Clay-Court Escapes – Italy
Italy’s infatuation with clay-court tennis has made Tuscany a perfect destination for those players who are after beautiful and peaceful places away from the noise. Tuscany’s resorts have successfully merged the country’s charm and the highest standards of the sport, offering courts set amongst grape and olive ??yards.
Places to Visit There:
- Forte Village Resort (Sardinia, near Tuscany): Offers tennis academies run by former professional players; clay and hard courts are available in the middle of the Mediterranean gardens.
- Rome’s Foro Italico (for day trips): The Italian Open (Internazionali BNL d’Italia) is held here – the biggest tennis event in Italy that is just a few hours away from Tuscany.
Local Tennis Clubs in Florence & Siena are open for short-term memberships and offer lessons to travelers.
Travel Tip: Tuscany is a perfect place to combine tennis and lifestyle.
Tips While Travelling To These Places
- Get your hands on the local map, as they are regularly updated and more convenient than digital maps.
- In case you are about to go to those globally well-known tennis places, and you use the Wi-Fi a lot there for buying the tickets, booking hotels and watching the match live on the internet, you should download a VPN for a secure connection.
- Pre-book the tickets to make your travel hassle-free. Grand Slam tickets sell out too quickly; pre-booking ensures the best seats at the best price.
- Go for the local transport for more economical travel. This saves you from parking fees and traffic jams.
- Make sure to carry a camera with you, as the photographers present at the spot will charge you more.
- Take a look at the weather forecast to carry the clothes appropriately. Also makes you prepared for any future weather changes.
- Stay hydrated and carry a water bottle to curb your thirst. Also, saves you from the long queues for water.
Conclusion
Traveling to the world’s best tennis destinations is a great way to feel its history, energy and culture that are hard to forget. From legendary Grand Slam venues to academies influenced by great champions,?there’s something for every tennis fan in every place.
Ahead of?your travels, make sure you download a VPN to secure yourself online and connect to wifi safely on tickets, hotel booking streaming the game. With some smart planning — and the right gear packed away in one of your new travel?bags — your tennis-themed trip can be as stimulating as the game itself.
