There are apparently a number of Asian and Mid East contenders for another Grand Slam event. These efforts are reviewed in an article by BBC writer Jonathan Overend.
The notion that any other tournament would be a Slam seems preposterous given the historical relevance of the four major tournaments. However, the rapid growth of tennis as a sport means money is pouring in from sponsors and there are many ways that money can work wonders.
“The Open is doing well in Beijing while Shanghai will host a Masters 1000 event. The Qatar Open in Doha kicks off the season and the end-of-season WTA Championships are staged at the same venue.”
It seems the jockeying right now is for titles like “World Championships” .
Although it seems clear it is very unlikely another Grand Slam event would be accepted, I can see the day when another tennis event will supersede a Slam in significance. All it would take is for a venue and prize money to become undeniably more prestigious. The Australian Open is trying to head this off in Asia by taking on the title of the “Asian and Pacifc” Grand Slam. However a change of name may not be enough. Money often talks louder.
