2009 Tennis Grand Slam Dates
Dates for 2009 Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open
Dec 23, 2008
The 2009 professional tennis year will be dominated by the four grand slams, the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. Always highly coveted and fiercely contested tournaments, they are sure to produce tennis of the highest quality.
Australian Open 2009
Tournament Dates: 19 January – 1 February
Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne
Holder Men’s Singles Title: Novak Djokovic
Holder Women’s Singles Title: Maria Sharapova
Due to the potentially extreme climatic conditions in Melbourne, the Australian Open is regarded as one of the most physically demanding tournaments of the tennis year. Summer temperatures can regularly reach 30c and tournament organisers have implemented an extreme heat policy to protect competitors from the arduous effects of the weather.
In 2008 Novak Djokovic took the men’s single crown defeating Frenchman Jo-Wilfred Tsonga in the final, the Serbian’s first grand slam title.
Maria Sharapova triumphed in the Women’s event, beating Ana Ivanovic in straight sets.
French Open 2009
Tournament Dates: 24 May – 7 June
Venue: Roland Garros, Paris
Holder Men’s Single Title: Rafael Nadal
Holder Women’s Single Title: Ana Ivanovic
The clay of Roland Garros has broken the hearts of many players wishing to complete a grand slam sweep, with a slow demanding surface testing not only the physical but also the mental resolve of the competitors.
Rafael Nadal won his fourth straight title in 2008 with his victim, Roger Federer, easily defeated in straight sets.
Ana Ivanovic will be defending the Women’s title following her two set victory over Dinara Safina.
Wimbledon Championship 2009
Tournament Dates: 22 June – 5 July
Venue: All England Tennis Club, London
Holder Men’s Single Title: Rafael Nadal
Holder Women’s Single Title: Venus Williams
The only grass tournament in the grand slam calendar, Wimbledon remains unique in atmosphere and tradition. The new retractable roof is set to be ready in time for the 2009 championship in an attempt to tame the capricious London weather.
2008 saw the longest Men’s single final in Wimbledon history, resulting in Rafael Nadal defeating Roger Federer if five epic sets.
The William’s sisters contested the Women’s final with the elder Venus overcoming Serena in two sets.
US Open 2009
Tournament Dates: 31 August – 13 September
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York
Holder Men’s Single Title: Roger Federer
Holder Women’s Single Title: Venus Williams
The final slam of the year is the US Open. With its high energy, high octane profile, the tournament provides a fitting climax to the grand slam year and is played in front of exuberant, extrovert crowds.
Roger Federer defeated first time finalist Andy Murray in 2008 to claim his fifth successive title.
Serena Williams compensated for her Wimbledon disappointment by defeating Jelena Jankovic to secure the 2008 crown, the ninth grand slam title of her career.
Grand Slam Tennis 2009
The grand slam tournaments will be fiercely contested in 2009. Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and the emerging Andy Murray will all begin the year feeling confident of success in at least one of the events.
The Women’s game is equally competitive with Venus and Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova all entering 2009 in optimistic mood.
What can be assured is that 2009 will see a continuation of the high quality, highly charged tennis of recent years, providing spectators with sport of the finest vintage.
 |
