“Open Era” refers to a period since 1968, when professional players were allowed to compete with Grand Slam Championships and other events approved by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
In short, these events are “open” to all players.
The open era has changed the specialization of tennis – allowing players to earn bonuses by participating in games.
What happened in the open era?
Four Grand Slam games in tennis date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Wimbledon – the oldest Grand Slam – began in 1877. The U.S. Open began in 1881, followed by the French Open, at the Australian Open in 1891 and 1905.
Until 1968, only amateurs – players who did not make a living through tennis, and did not receive any bonuses through competition – were allowed to enter the Grand Slam.
Professional tennis players compete in completely different competitions.
The idea is to make the sport fair – some think that professionals can spend their time on training and get paid, which will have an advantage over amateur players.
What changes happened in 1968?
The British Hard Court Championship in Bournemouth in April 1968 was the first match of the open era.
The championship was won by Australian Ken Rosewall and UK Virginia Wade, who brought home £1,000 and £300,,,,, External In the bonuses respectively.
Wimbledon was the first “open” grand slam, but still the only one who doesn’t include the word. The French champion becomes the French Open, the US National Championship becomes the US Open, and the Australian champion becomes the Australian Open.
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