Top five iconic tennis stadiums in the world

Tennis arenas vary in size, style, and surface. Some host the biggest tournaments in the sport. Others play host to smaller yet prestigious tournaments. Many have their own rich history that has helped shape the sport into what it is today. For the ultimate tennis fan, there are a select few stadiums that one must visit at least once in his/her lifetime. These are the top five tennis stadiums in the world.

5. The O2 Arena, London, England

The O2 Arena is a spectacle. It is the world’s largest building in terms of floorspace. The indoor hard surface court is a staple on the ATP World Tour. It hosts the ATP World Tour Finals and seats a whopping 17,500 fans, making it the 2nd largest in terms of capacity in the sport of tennis. The O2 Arena is unique as it is home to anything from the Olympics to music concerts to the ATP World Tour. Sitting on the famous River Thames, the O2 is a must see for the ultimate tennis superfan.

4. Louis Armstrong Stadium, Flushing, Queens, New York City

Louis Armstrong Stadium is part of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center that hosts the US Open. Located in Flushing, Queens, New York City, the stadium once held a capacity of 18,000. After the construction of the largest arena in tennis, the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong now hold just upwards of 10,000 spectators. It remains a staple venue at one of tennis’ Grand Slams. The outdoor hard surface court is both a fan and player favorite named after the great jazz musician, Louis Armstrong. 

3. Court Philippe Chatrier – Roland Garros, Paris, France

Roland Garros is home to the French Open. With Court Philippe Chatrier as its centerpiece, the tennis complex is iconic. The main court seats almost 15,000 spectators. Constructed in 1928, the 21 acre tennis complex is made up of 20 courts, 3 of which are large-capacity stadiums. The outdoor clay surface courts at Roland Garros are immediately recognizable. Located in Paris, France, Roland Garros is a favorite of tennis star Rafael Nadal. 

2. Centre Court Wimbledon, London, England

Centre Court is the main court at Wimbledon in London, England. The historic importance of Centre Court is beyond compare. The outdoor grass court plays host to both the ATP World Tour and the WTA Tour for the Wimbledon Championship. An inscription at the entrance to Centre Court reads, “If you can meet with triumph and disaster / And treat those two impostors just the same.” The line is from English writer Rudyard Kipling and speaks to the fierce competition that occurs at Centre Court year in and year out. A retractable roof was added to the court in 2009 after many instances of prolonged rain delays. At roughly a 15,000 person capacity, Centre Court and the Wimbledon Championship is a must see.

1. Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing, Queens, New York City

Arthur Ashe Stadium is the main stadium at the US Open. The stadium is named after the great Arthur Ashe who won the first ever US Open in Open Era back in 1968. Seating upwards of 23,000 spectators, the stadium is the largest in the tennis world. Arthur Ashe Stadium and the US Open are located in Flushing, Queens, New York. A retractable roof was added to the outdoor hard surface court in 2016 due to unpredictable winds and rain. Arthur Ashe Stadium and the US Open play host to both the ATP World Tour and the WTA Tour.