What is the Open Era of Tennis?
At the start of the 1960s, tennis was a sport dominated by amateurs. Professional players were barred from taking part in any of the sport’s four Major tournaments – the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. The Open Era of tennis was the period when these restrictions were removed and professional and amateur players were allowed to compete together.
The Beginning of the Open Era
The Open Era of tennis began in April 1968, when the International Lawn Tennis Federation (ILTF) amended the rules of tennis and allowed professional players to enter the four Majors. The decision was made in response to the rise in popularity of professional tennis in the late 1960s, which was due to the emergence of stars such as Rod Laver, Billie Jean King, and Arthur Ashe.
The Impact of the Open Era
The introduction of the Open Era had a significant impact on the sport of tennis. It opened the door for players of all backgrounds and levels of skill to compete in the sport’s most prestigious tournaments, and it allowed tennis to become a professional sport. Professional tennis players were now able to earn a living from the sport, and the quality of the game improved as a result.
The Growth of Professional Tennis
The Open Era made it possible for professional tennis players to compete in the Majors, and this led to a surge in the number of professional players. The number of professional players increased by nearly 400%, and tournaments began to be held all over the world. This was a major step forward for the sport and helped to make it the global phenomenon that it is today.
Women’s Tennis
The introduction of the Open Era was also a major turning point for women’s tennis. Before the Open Era, women were not allowed to compete in the Majors, and they were largely excluded from professional tennis. After the Open Era, women’s tennis began to grow in popularity and the sport saw the emergence of stars such as Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, and Martina Navratilova.
The Grand Slams
The Open Era of tennis saw a dramatic increase in the number of Grand Slam tournaments held each year. The four Majors – the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open – are the most prestigious tournaments in tennis, and they have grown in popularity and stature since the Open Era began.
The ITF and WTA
The Open Era of tennis was instrumental in the creation of two major organizations that have had a huge impact on the sport. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) was formed in 1913, and it is responsible for regulating the rules of tennis and organizing international tennis competitions. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) was created in 1973, and it is the governing body for professional women’s tennis.
The Evolution of Professional Tennis
The Open Era of tennis has seen the sport of tennis evolve in many ways. Professional players now have more opportunities to compete in tournaments around the world, and the prize money for winning tournaments has increased significantly. The game itself has also become more exciting, as the modern game is faster and more intense than ever before.
The Future of Professional Tennis
The Open Era of tennis has been in place for over 50 years, and it has helped to make the sport of tennis more competitive, more popular, and more lucrative. It has also opened the door for players of all backgrounds to compete in the sport’s top tournaments. As the sport continues to grow, it is likely that the Open Era will continue to lead the way.
Conclusion
The Open Era of tennis is the period when professional players were allowed to compete in the four Majors and other tournaments. It began in April 1968 and has had a major impact on the sport of tennis. It has allowed professional players to make a living from the sport and has opened the door for players of all backgrounds to compete. The Open Era has been instrumental in the growth of the sport and in the creation of organizations such as the ITF and the WTA. The Open Era has been in place for over 50 years, and it is likely to continue to have a major impact on the sport in the years to come.