Tournaments

Masters 1000 tickets and guide

The ATP Masters 1000 series is the top tier of men's tennis below the four Grand Slams: nine prestigious events spread across the season that almost always feature the world's best players. For fans, they offer Slam-level fields and atmosphere — often with easier access and better value — making them some of the smartest tickets in tennis.

Updated 2026-06-11 · 2 min read

What the Masters 1000 series is

The Masters 1000 events sit directly below the Grand Slams in the men's tennis hierarchy. The name comes from the ranking points the champion earns — 1,000 — which is more than any event except a Slam. There are nine of them across the year, held in different countries and on different surfaces, and the leading players are generally committed to appearing, so the fields are consistently strong.

Why they're worth attending

  • Top players turn up. The series carries major ranking points, so the best in the world are usually there.
  • Slam-level tennis, smaller scale. World-class matches with crowds and prices that are often more manageable.
  • Variety across the year. Different cities and surfaces — hard courts and clay — give each event its own flavour.
  • Combined events. Some Masters 1000 sites also host the women's tour the same week, doubling the star power.

Masters 1000 versus the Grand Slams

FeatureMasters 1000Grand Slam
TierTop tier below the SlamsThe four biggest events in tennis
Singles formatBest of three setsBest of five sets (men)
Number of eventsNine across the seasonFour across the season
Typical accessOften direct sale, no ballotCan involve ballots, queues or high demand
AtmosphereBig, but usually smaller than a SlamThe largest crowds in the sport

General comparison only — formats and policies are set by organisers and can change. Confirm details on each event's official site.

How to get Masters 1000 tickets

  1. 1

    Pick which event suits you

    With nine events in different cities and on different surfaces, choose one by location, time of year and surface preference.

  2. 2

    Use the official tournament site

    Each event runs its own ticketing. Confirm dates and buy through the official channel or a reputable seller.

  3. 3

    Consider grounds passes and early rounds

    Where offered, grounds access and first-week sessions deliver lots of top tennis for less than a finals ticket.

  4. 4

    Move quickly for the finals

    Semi-finals and finals at the bigger events sell out fastest, so book those early.

Frequently asked questions

What does Masters 1000 mean?
It refers to the top tier of men's ATP tour events below the Grand Slams. The '1000' is the number of ranking points the champion receives, which signals how prestigious these tournaments are and why the best players attend.
How many Masters 1000 events are there?
There are nine Masters 1000 tournaments spread across the season, held in different countries and on different surfaces. This variety means there's usually one within reasonable reach at some point in the year.
Are Masters 1000 tickets easier to get than Grand Slam tickets?
Often, yes. Many Masters events sell tickets directly without a ballot or queue, and early-round sessions can be good value. That said, the biggest events and their finals can still sell out, so book popular sessions early.
Do the top players really play the Masters 1000?
Generally yes. Because these events award major ranking points, the leading men are usually committed to playing them, so the fields are consistently strong — close to what you'd see at a Grand Slam.