The four Slams have always represented the tentpoles of tennis, a quartet of tournaments that jut out and jut up, rising above the other events on the calendar and anchoring the sport. But more so than ever, players make their reputations—and income—at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open. The dozens of other tennis tournaments interspersed throughout the year can feel like pleasant, small-budget rom-coms that simply pad the studio’s schedule before the four annual blockbuster releases.
This works to the advantage of some players. Solely by dint of his tally of singles titles at the majors—a record 20 and counting—the ageless Roger Federer has cemented himself as tennis’ GOAT.