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What Is the Open Era in Tennis?
May 3, 2026 1:03 PM

  

What Is the Open Era in Tennis?1

  A star of the open era Novak Djokovic of Serbia competing in the men's singles final of the U.S. Open in Queens, New York, September 10, 2023. Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the match, winning his 24th Grand Slam victory, a record for men's tennis. (more) What Is the Open Era in Tennis? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/sports/What-Is-the-Open-Era-in-Tennis Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

  External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Will Gosner Will Gosner is an associate editor covering general interest topics, including film, television, and sports. He has a B.A. from the University of Chicago. He joined Britannica in 2014. Will Gosner Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 8, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot In the sport of tennis the term open era refers to the period—beginning in 1968 and continuing to the present day—in which both amateurs and professionals are allowed to compete in all tournaments. Before the open era the sport was divided between amateurs, who played in the prestigious Grand Slams (now called the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon Championships, and U.S. Open) and other official tournaments, and professionals, who were limited to barnstorming tours and exhibition matches. In the first decades of tennis as an organized sport, virtually all competitions were restricted to amateurs and did not have monetary prizes ...(100 of 347 words)

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