I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love tennis, I try and go to at least one tournament each year and this year is no exception. I can’t wait to watch a spectacular display from the world’s finest players fighting it out to be crowned the champion and to take home some silverware. So, in preparation I’ve opened a tub of Häagen-Dazs Strawberries and Cream ice cream (my twist on the classic courtside fare of strawberries and cream) and I have settled down to decide which tournament I want to attend. Here is my shortlist…

Australian Open, Melbourne, Australia

The Australian Open plays host to the first Grand Slam tournament of the year (January). Featuring the world's elite tennis players, this tournament attracts spectators from all over the world united by the common interest of tennis. Enjoy the combination of a warm summer and an exciting and prestigious sporting event in Australia's most picturesque city - Melbourne, Australia!

French Open / Roland Garros, Paris, France

Ever dreamt of Paris in the springtime? How about watching some of the most dramatic tennis possible in the French capital? The Roland Garros, also known as the French Open, is a very popular event in a quiet setting surrounded by the picturesque and extensive city of Paris. The red clay of Stade Roland Garros glows with colour and present a lovely backdrop while tennis players battle for the title.

Wimbledon Championships, London, England

The Wimbledon Tennis Championships is the oldest, and most prestigious of the Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments. Located in one of the most exciting cities in the world, London. Enjoy the lush green lawn tennis courts, the famous faces in the Royal Box, the fans sampling strawberries and cream and sipping champagne and the pomp and circumstance of the palatial grounds of Wimbledon. 

US Open, New York City, USA

The US Open tennis tournament is the final and the most exciting Grand Slam of the year.  Besides the tennis, there is plenty of other entertainment for you to enjoy as well. One note, everyone should experience the electricity of a night match in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Originally held at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills until 1978, the tournament now takes place at the much larger USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows - complete with interactive games, shopping and celeb watching for kids and adults alike.

BNP Paribas Open, California, USA

If you haven’t travelled to Indian Wells, California yet you haven’t experienced one of the most spectacular settings to watch professional tennis. Located in an idyllic setting including snowcapped mountains, blue skies and desert breezes the BNP Paribas Open, is the largest combined (men and women) ATP World Tour and WTA Premier tennis tournament in the world. A field of 96 men and 96 women singles players, 32 men and 32 women doubles teams will compete for over $5.0 million in prize money.

Sony Ericsson, Florida, USA

The Sony Ericsson Open is a world class tennis tournament played on Key Biscayne Bay in a tropical resort setting featuring almost all of the top men and women players. A field of 96 men and 96 women singles players, and 48 men and 48 women doubles teams will compete for over $6 million in prize money. Get tickets to see why many consider the Sony Ericsson Open the "fifth" Grand Slam.

Italian Open, Rome, Italy

Visit one of the oldest cities in the world and see the world’s top tennis players at the same time when you watch the Italian Open. This Tennis Master Series event attracts most of the top ranked men and women. Played on the red clay of Foro Italico, this international tennis championship is held at a remarkable tennis venue. Spectators are provided with excellent tennis in addition to attending a tournament that is gaining popularity by leaps and bounds. The hometown crowd adds a unique characteristic to the tournament by creating a fun and festive atmosphere unlike any other tournament.

Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Monte-Carlo projects the atmosphere of a perpetual summer holiday with 300 days of sunshine a year. This dynamic, glamorous realm is the jewel of the French Riviera, accentuated by its fairy tale Prince's Palace and the world famous Casino. Designer boutiques front flower-lined boulevards. Cozy cafés and bistros, tucked away in narrow streets, afford tantalizing dining and strolling. Oh, and the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters isn’t bad either!

Shanghai Rolex Masters, Shanghai, China

The Shanghai Rolex Masters features the world's best in a 56-player draw for singles, and is the finale to a new three-week Asian swing of the ATP World Tour. The tennis facility, which is Asia's biggest, has been built on 80 acres in the Minhang district, 27 kilometres southwest of the city of Shanghai. A fabulous event - and one not to be missed by tennis fans.

Even if I get to attend just one of these events this year, it’ll be ACE and I’m sure I’ll have a smashing time!