There are more than 60 tournaments this season, and tennis fans are excited about the action. Learn about five ATP & WTA Tournaments to keep an eye on.
The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) slate is underway, with more than 60 tournaments set to take place in more than 30 countries. These tournaments include four Major Championships and the Olympic Games Paris 2024. This article will look at some of the best tournaments on the calendar and compare each prize pot.
What Has Happened So Far?
The most notable tournament thus far in 2024 was the Australian Open, with ten-time champion Novak Djokovic entering as the returning champion.
With $86 million in prize money at stake, Jannik Sinner took the season’s first major championship, upsetting Djokovic in the semifinals. He defeated Daniil Medvedev in an epic five-set final to win his first major championship.
On the women’s side of the bracket, Aryna Sabalenka defended her 2023 title, earning her second career major championship. As the season progresses, fans can participate in sports betting along with the best tournaments and win big prizes.
French Open | Prize Pot: $55 million
Dates: Monday, May 20 – Sunday, June 9
Location: Roland Garros Stadium, Paris, France
A fan favorite played on Roland Garros’ famous clay courts, the French Open has long been known for the dominance of Rafael Nadal.
Between 2005 and 2022, Nadal won 14 French Open Championships, including four straight between 2005 and 2008, five straight between 2010 and 2014, and four straight between 2017 and 2020. The tournament is the second Grand Slam of the season, and until 1975, the French Open was the only tournament not to take place on grass.
With Nadal set to return to the court at Indian Wells after his injury at Brisbane, he could be back in play at Roland Garros for a 15th title. The injury setback came in his first action in over a year. However, he’ll have to go through Djokovic, who has won two French titles in three years.
The Championships Wimbledon | Prize Pot: $57 million
Dates: Monday, July 1 – Sunday, July 14
Location: All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England
Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. The Championships have been held since 1877, played on the famous outdoor grass courts, including Centre Court and No. 1 Court, which have retractable roofs. Djokovic has been the dominant figure at Wimbledon since Roger Federer’s reign ended, winning seven championships since 2011.
In 2023, Carlos Alcaraz took home the title, defeating Djokovic in five sets. The championship was Alcaraz’s second Grand Slam championship, with his first coming at the 2022 US Open. Still just 20 years old, Alcaraz is also a favorite in this season’s tournament. On the women’s side, Marketa Vondrousova took home the championship in 2023, defeating Ons Jabeur in straight sets, the second straight year that Jabeur lost in the Wimbledon finals. The tournament was the 24-year-old’s first major title.
US Open | Prize Pot: $65 million
Dates: Monday, August 26 – Sunday, September 8
Location: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York City, United States
Arguably the 2nd most prestigious tournament on the calendar, the US Open is undoubtedly the most lucrative. In 2024, its $65 million prize pot is the highest-paying purse in the world, with the winner taking home a $3 million payday.
No single player has dominated this tournament since Federer won five straight from 2004–2008, and there have been five different champions in the past five tournaments. That hadn’t happened since 1999–2003, and there haven’t been six champions in six years since 1974.
Daniil Medvedev is a natural favorite for this year’s tournament after reaching the final three times in five years.
BNP Paribas Open | Prize Pot: $19 million
Dates: Sunday, March 3 – Sunday, March 17
Location: Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Indian Wells, United States
Often referred to as the fifth Grand Slam, the BNP Paribas Open stands alone among non-Grand Slam tournaments in terms of overall prestige.
Hosted in Indian Wells, California, since 1987, this tournament is the highest-attended tennis tournament in the world aside from the four Grand Slam competitions, thanks to Indian Wells being the second-largest permanent tennis stadium in the world.Â
It is also a part of the ATP Masters 1000 events and the WTA 1000 events. Alcaraz is the reigning champion on the men’s side, while Elena Rybakina is the champion in the women’s draw.
Madrid Open | Prize Pot: $9.2 million
Dates: Monday, April 22 – Sunday, May 5
Location: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York City, United States
A fan favorite on the clay court circuit, the Madrid Open is hosted at the Caja Magica in Manzanares Park, San Fermin. Founded 22 years ago by Ion Tiriac, the tournament is the youngest tournament on our list and brings the city of Madrid over $135 million annually. Alcaraz is the defending champion on the men’s side, while Sabalenka is the defending champion on the women’s side.
Which Tournaments Didn’t Make the List?
With more than 60 tournaments this year, there isn’t enough space to comment on every fan-favorite event or prestigious tournament. Tennis being on the Olympic slate this year adds another fantastic competition to the schedule, giving fans an exciting outlook for the sport in 2024.
