Introduction
Tennis is a global sport, and some of its stadiums are famous for their size and the unforgettable moments they’ve hosted. Whether you’re planning to attend a match or just dreaming of it, knowing what to expect adds a whole new layer of excitement, don’t you agree? From New York to Paris to China, all these stadiums have something special.
Here’s our guide to the 10 biggest tennis stadiums in the world with extra tips and cool facts to help you make the most of your visit.
1. Arthur Ashe Stadium – New York, USA
- Capacity: 23,771
- Tournament: US Open
Arthur Ashe Stadium is not just the largest tennis stadium in the world—it’s a full-blown spectacle. Situated in Flushing Meadows, New York, Arthur Ashe Stadium serves as the hub of the US Open and hosts some of the sport’s most captivating late-night matches.
Since the addition of a retractable roof in 2016, rain delays are no longer a problem, and the atmosphere under lights can be absolutely electric.
The Arthur Ashe stadium provides an unparalleled Grand Slam experience with its towering stands and enormous video screen.
✔️ Insider Tip: Buy tickets for an evening session—the electric NYC crowd and sunset skyline make it a surreal experience. Also, head to the practice courts early in the day; you might catch big stars warming up just meters away.
2. Indian Wells Tennis Garden (Stadium 1) – Indian Wells, USA
- Capacity: 16,100
- Tournament: BNP Paribas Open
Often dubbed the fifth Grand Slam, Indian Wells boasts state-of-the-art facilities, stunning desert backdrops, and luxurious fan amenities. Set against the stunning desert backdrop of Southern California, Stadium 1 at Indian Wells is second only to Arthur Ashe in size.
But in terms of comfort and amenities, it’s often considered one of the best. Known for its spacious layout, luxury suites, and excellent sightlines, this venue is a favorite among both players and fans.
✔️ Insider Tip: Unlike some other big events, you’ll find easy access to players at Indian Wells. Many stars walk through fan areas on their way to practice. The grounds are also walkable and relaxed.
3. Court Philippe Chatrier – Paris, France
- Capacity: 15,225
- Tournament: French Open
The main court at Roland Garros, Court Philippe Chatrier, is one of the most historic venues in tennis. Recently renovated, the stadium now features a retractable roof and steeper seating to enhance the viewing experience. It remains a cathedral of clay-court tennis, where legends like Rafael Nadal have built their legacies.
The atmosphere in Paris is passionate and refined, perfectly fitting the tournament’s long-standing traditions.
✔️ Insider Tip: Visit during the first week—outside courts offer surprisingly intimate viewing, and you can hop between matches. You can see some of the stars playing from up close on these outside courts, which is really cool. Also, the “Bullring” Court No. 1, just next door, offers legendary close-up action.
4. Diamond Court – Beijing, China
- Capacity: 15,000
- Tournament: China Open
Nicknamed the Diamond Court for its sparkling, lotus-inspired design, this stadium in Beijing is one of the most modern and architecturally unique venues in the sport globally. Did you know that it was initially built for the 2008 Olympics? Years later, it now hosts the China Open.
Its retractable roof, clean lines, and symmetrical layout create an ideal blend of aesthetics and functionality. It also highlights the growth of tennis in Asia over the past decade.
✔️ Insider Tip: China Open offers affordable VIP upgrades, and the on-site technology museum and sponsor zones are surprisingly good, to be honest. Furthermore, most signage and staff communicate in English, making it visitor-friendly for you if you’re not up to date with the Chinese language.
5. Optics Valley International Tennis Center – Wuhan, China
- Capacity: 15,000
- Tournament: Wuhan Open
The second stadium in China on this list. This venue is another great example of China’s investment in tennis. The Wuhan Open’s main court is sleek, state-of-the-art, and rapidly becoming a fan favorite. Located in the center of China, the stadium was designed with both spectators and players in mind, offering excellent visibility from every angle and player-friendly conditions.
Despite being a relatively new venue, it is on par with the sport’s more traditional locations.
✔️ Insider Tip: Many fans don’t know this—but there’s an underground metro connection to the venue, making transport simple. Furthermore, visit the nearby East Lake after the match, as it’s beautiful and close by.
6. Centre Court – London, United Kingdom
- Capacity: 14,979
- Tournament: Wimbledon Championships
Despite ranking only sixth on this list, the Centre Court at Wimbledon holds a sacred place. With its green grass, royal patronage, and timeless traditions, it’s widely considered the most prestigious tennis stadium in the world. Despite its smaller capacity compared to Ashe or Indian Wells, Centre Court amply compensates with its rich history (since 1877!) and unique atmosphere.
Every detail, from strawberries and cream to the all-white dress code, strengthens Wimbledon’s reputation as the pinnacle of tennis.
✔️ Insider Tip: We highly recommend arriving early for a stroll through the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, located on-site. It’s packed with rare memorabilia. Furthermore, dress smart—the crowd often keeps to a chic dress code, especially in premium sections.
7. Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne, Australia
- Capacity: 14,820
- Tournament: Australian Open
Named after one of the greatest players in tennis history, the Rod Laver Arena is the central court of the Australian Open and part of the impressive Melbourne Park complex. This first Grand Slam of the season is known for its fast-paced hard courts and late-night epics.
This stadium offers world-class amenities and a retractable roof that guarantees uninterrupted play.
It’s also incredibly fan-friendly, thanks to its central location and access to food, entertainment, locals, and beautiful practice courts.
✔️ Insider Tip: Use the AO Grounds Pass in early rounds—it’s great value and gets you into outer courts and live zones. The food court here is one of the best at any tournament—try the Aussie-style burgers or Vietnamese street food.
8. Louis Armstrong Stadium – New York, USA
- Capacity: 14,000
- Tournament: US Open
Louis Armstrong Stadium was completely rebuilt in 2018 and now stands as the second-largest venue at the US Open. It has a partially open design that allows natural airflow while still offering a covered roof. The court delivers a more intimate setting compared to Arthur Ashe, but with equally high-quality facilities. It’s often the site of key early-round upsets and day-session thrillers.
✔️ Insider Tip: If you’re picking between day and night sessions, Armstrong’s day matches often feature top seeds and are more affordable. Also, its natural airflow design makes it cooler on hot NYC afternoons.
9. Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena – Shanghai, China
- Capacity: 13,800
- Tournament: Shanghai Masters
This is the third Chinese stadium on our list! Famous for its retractable roof that opens like a blooming magnolia flower, we can honestly confirm that the Qizhong Arena is one of the most visually stunning tennis venues in the world. Located in Shanghai, it plays host to the ATP Masters 1000 event and has helped make China a critical stop on the tennis calendar.
With futuristic design and top-tier organization, it’s a model for next-gen stadiums. Not the biggest one in size, but size doesn’t always matter.
✔️ Insider Tip: We advise visiting the Magnolia Plaza, which is just outside the arena and is worth exploring. Why? Well, you’ll discover exquisite art installations and delicious food trucks here. Book your tickets early, as the ATP Finals vibes make this event a top pick for Chinese fans.
10. Am Rothenbaum – Hamburg, Germany
- Capacity: 13,200
- Tournament: Hamburg European Open
As Germany’s largest tennis stadium, Am Rothenbaum has been hosting top-tier events for decades on the ATP calendar. While not as flashy as some newer venues, it’s beloved for its classic European charm and clay-court battles.
The stadium is open-air but features a retractable roof over the stands, ensuring fans stay dry. Its relatively cozy feel makes it a great place to watch elite-level tennis up close.
✔️ Insider Tip: The tournament usually runs during the summer, and the city’s riverside cafes are a great post-match treat. It’s a less touristy tournament, which means cheaper tickets and easier access to players for you as a visitor.
Conclusion: The Biggest Tennis Stadiums in the World
When it comes to the biggest tennis stadiums, it’s not just all about capacity. These stadiums also offer you a great experience. Whether it’s the intense energy of a night match in New York, the refined traditions of London, or the architectural brilliance in China, each offers something unforgettable, as already stated in the introduction.
Are you planning to visit one of these venues? Try to get the full experience by exploring the grounds, soaking up the atmosphere, and enjoying the local flair. By doing so, you’ll walk away with far more than a few great rallies, and you’ll have memories that last a lifetime.
Are you ready to book your next tennis trip? At TennisTicketing.com, we offer 100% official tickets for Grand Slams and ATP events worldwide. Get closer to the action with seats you can trust!
