The best ATP 250 & 500 professional tennis tournaments to attend

Aften conducting extensive research we’ve put together a list of the top ATP tournaments to attend each year. Rather than focusing on the four Grand Slams and the nine ATP 1000 events, we have honed in on ATP 250 and 500 events held worldwide.

Why? These tournaments still attract some of the very top players (for example, Roger Federer plays the Swiss Open in Basel every year and Andy Murray has a lifetime contract to play in the Fever-Tree Championships in London) but have much smaller venues so there are no bad seats and there is exceptional viewing on (and beyond) the stadium court. Moreover, tickets are easier to buy and lower priced than attempting to watch Wimbledon, for instance.  

Been considering a trip to Auckland, Cascais or St. Petersburg? Why not go during a time when you can catch some high quality live tennis as well? Below you will find a list of our top 10 smaller events on the professional tennis circuit with some helpful ideas about where to stay, eat, what to do when you've hit your tennis spectating saturation point and where to hit yourself near the venue. 

1. Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championship

Location: Dubai
Local Airport: Dubai International Airport
Surface: Hard
Draw size: Singles 32 // Doubles 16

Defending Champions: 

Singles: Roger Federer // Belinda Bencic
Doubles: Rajeev Ram & Joe Salisbury // Hseih Su-wei & Barbara Strycova

Where To Stay?

Maybe you would enjoy staying in five-star luxury at the One&Only, the From Hotel, or the Anantara Resort? Or maybe you would prefer a one-of-a-kind experience in the dunes of the Sharjah Desert at Magic Camps Dubai?

Where To Eat?

If you visit the Dubai Open, you should eat at the world’s highest restaurant. If you walk all 122 floors you will have definitely earned dessert! Or take the lift and have your cake too.

Things To Do Near The Tournament?

Check out beach clubs, local shops, or even play a spot of tennis yourself at a local court.

Grab your event tickets here.

2. Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell

Location: Barcelona
Local Airport: El-Prat Airport
Surface: Clay
Draw size: Singles 48 // Doubles 16

Defending Champions

Singles: Dominic Thiem
Doubles: Robert Farah & Juan Sebastian Cabal

Where To Stay?

Stay in the stunning and exclusive El Palauet, the pristine The Mirror, or relax at the Aria Hotel in the Gothic Quarter. Alternatively, you could enjoy the quirkiness of the Mercer Hotel or the grandeur and seductiveness of Soho House.

Where To Eat?

Once the tennis is over for the day, serve yourself with one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever experience at Sagàs or have some Mexican food at one of the 5.0 project.

Things To Do Near The Tournament?

When you’re not admiring the rallies, the architecture, or have a mouthful of Paella, you can hit a few balls yourself at Real Club de Tennis.

Open tickets can be found here.

3. Fever-Tree Championships

Location: London
Local Airport: Heathrow
Surface: Grass
Draw size: Singles 32 // Doubles 16

Defending Champions:

Singles: Feliciano Lopez
Doubles: Feliciano Lopez & Andy Murray

Where To Stay?

Enjoy well-crafted serves then head to the Artistic Residence London for an arty stay over. Or you and your party could enjoy other luxury hotels, including Redchurch Townhouse, Claridge’s and much more.

Where To Eat?

There are plenty of celebrated restaurants to choose from in the hustle and bustle of London. However, you could check out this new restaurant in a former factory with one of the capital’s leading chefs at the helm.

Things To Do Near The Tournament?

Overseas visitors shouldn't miss the chance of paying the Queen a visit when in London and participating in tourist things - like photos in red telephone boxes. Local tennis clubs can be found easily.

Grab your tickets here. 

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4. Swiss Indoors

Location: Basel
Local Airport: EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg
Surface: Hard
Draw size: Singles 32 // Doubles 16

Defending Champions

Singles: Roger Federer
Doubles: Franko Škugor & Dominic Inglot

Where To Stay?

Swiss Indoor attendees can enjoy the city even more by staying at the spectacular Hotel Les Trois Rois, reside at the simplistic elegant appeal of Krafft Basel or the highly-rated Nomad Lifestyle Hotel.

Where To Eat?

The land of world-famous cheese and chocolate won't let you down when it comes to finding great food. When you’re not overindulging on the tennis and pralines, check out the renowned selection of restaurants available.

Things To Do Near The Tournament?

If you can pry yourself away from the local delicacies and the action for a moment, go visit the local zoo, museums and the impressive cathedral.

Consult tickets prices here.

 
5. Citi Open

Location: Washington D.C.
Local Airport: Ronald Reagan Airport
Surface: Hard
Draw size: Singles 48 (men); 32 (women) // Doubles 16

Defending Champions

Singles: Alexander Zverez // Svetlana Kuznetsova
Doubles: Jamie Murray & Bruno Soares // Han Xinyun & Darija Jurak

Where To Stay?

Washington is packed with lots of amazing hotels. One of our favourites is Hotel Theodore because it truly combines class, contemporary designs and comfort. Prefer staying a boutique hotels? The Rosewood Washington, D.C. is a lively hotel situated in the thriving Georgetown area. 

Where To Eat?

Washington is flourishing with quality restaurants and eateries. Check out this guide from Time Out Magazine to get the lowdown on the best ones – including the wonderful Fiola with its tasty Italian cuisine.

Things To Do Near The Tournament?

No trip to the Citi Open is complete without a visit to The White House and the Lincoln Memorial. If you want more tennis, you could always head to nearby Banneker Tennis Courts.

Buy Citi Open tickets for 2019.

6. ASB Classic

Location: Auckland
Local Airport: Auckland Airport
Surface: Hard
Draw size: Singles 32 // Doubles 16

Defending Champions

Singles: Tennys Sandgren // Julia Gorges
Doubles: Ben McLachlan & Jan-Lennard Struff // Eugenie Bouchard & Sofia Kennan

Where To Stay?

Any visitor to the ASB Classic should consider staying at Hotel Debrett with its unusual and captivating designs or check out the local Hilton which looks like a cruise ship!

Where To Eat?

Grab a pre-match breakfast at the buzzing Amano then, later on, you can discuss the tennis's talking points over some Mediterranean-inspired food at Odettes Eatery.

Things To Do Near The Tournament?

When the rackets have been put away for the day, why not check out local islands, Sky Tower and even a volcano!

Don’t miss the action and buy your tickets now.

7. Swedish Open

Location: Bâstad
Local Airport: Malmö Airport
Surface: Hard
Draw size: Singles 32 // Doubles 16

Defending Champions

Singles: Fabio Fognini
Doubles: Julio Peralta & Horacio Zeballos

Where To Stay?

Bâstad is slightly remote from the nearest international serving airport, but that doesn’t mean you won't come across many amazing, beautiful and unusual hotels with a Scandinavian twist along your journey.

Where To Eat?

Get a taste of the local cuisine at Fiskekjen or grab something closer to home by ordering at Victoria or the Veranda Café & Bistro.

Things To Do Near The Tournament?

You won't be disappointed with your visit to Bâstad when you see the local beaches, cliffs and nature reserves. Feel like a few rallies? This remote location also has a sports centre with courts!

All tickets can be bought directly here.

8. Millennium Estoril Open

Location: Cascais
Local Airport: Lisbon Airport
Surface: Clay
Draw size: Singles 28 // Doubles 16

Defending Champions

Singles: Stefanos Tsitsipas
Doubles: Jeremy Chardy // Fabrice Martin 

Where To Stay?

The Vivamainha is hot real estate when the tennis stars are in town. If you miss out on this fantastic place you could also look at the Farol Design Hotel situated on the marina, or get a distinct Portuguese experience at the Pestana Cidadela.

Where To Eat? 

With Cascais being located on the coast of Portugal, is there a better time to get some of the locals’ catch of the day? Head on over to the likes of Mar do Inferno if you get the opportunity.

Things To Do Near The Tournament?

Cascais is all about natural beauty, caves, cliffs and more. When you're not enjoying the matches go and enjoy these picturesque views.

Pack your stylish Epirus bag and get tickets for this event!

9. Delray Beach Open

Location: Delray Beach, Florida
Local Airport: Orlando International Airport
Surface: Hard
Draw size: Singles 32 // Doubles 16

Defending Champions
Singles: Radu Albot
Doubles: Bob & Mike Bryan

Where To Stay?

Stay at the Gran Hotel La Florida and relax in an oxygen bubble or enjoy the glamorous razzmatazz that comes with a retreat to the Four Seasons. Not for you? The ball is in your court and you may prefer a night or two at the Seagate Hotel & Spa in Downtown Delray Beach.

Where To Eat?

When in town for the tennis, make sure you go and dine at Fifth Avenue Grill and the Boston's on the Beach for seafood specialties!

Things To Do Near The Tournament?

Delray Beach has a lot to offer tourists. Experience the vibrant nightlife and drop in at the Arts Garage for a fun-filled evening.

Find out about tickets, today!

10. St. Petersburg Open

Location: St. Petersburg, Russia
Local Airport: Pulkovo Airport
Surface: Hard
Draw size: Singles 32 // Doubles 16

Defending Champions

Singles: Dominic Thiem
Doubles: Matteo Berrettini & Fabio Fognini

Where To Stay?

You have lots of great accommodation options for those getting amongst the action at the St. Petersburg Open. The Four Seasons is present and so are many other equally-impressive boutique hotels.

Where To Eat?

Don’t miss the unlimited buffet at the opulent L’Europe situated in the Belmond Hotel. The latter is worth visiting just for its jaw-dropping architecture and interior. Find more of the best local restaurants here.

Things To Do Near The Tournament?

Try not to get a kink in your neck from watching the tennis OR looking up in amazement at St. Petersburg’s impressive landmarks and palaces. Check out this guide to make sure you don't miss any of the major attractions.

Buy St. Petersburg Open tickets here.

Once you’ve chosen the most appealing tournament from this list and pulled the trigger on your hotel booking and airline tickets, the next step is packing. Airlines everywhere have become increasingly (and exceedingly!) stingy with baggage allotments for economy tickets.

In order to be on the safe side and avoid paying an unanticipated surcharge, why not travel with stylish, versatile bags you can use for any activity or occasion. The Epirus collection was designed for active living, including travelling with tennis rackets. Our extensive research has shown that they fit the guidelines issued by all major airlines.

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