I know that the Open Era in tennis was in 1968 and allowed pros to play along with "amateurs" who's amateurs

Question

Who were the amateurs? What is the difference between the pros and amateurs?

Answer 1

The last time I saw an amateur play in one of the Slams (and this was because of watching the matches on tv) when it came to the featured matches was back in the late 90s at the U.S. Open.  The match was between Steffi Graf (the professional player) and Maureen Drake (the amateur).  Steffi Graf one that match very easily.

The difference between the professionals and the amateurs is that the professionals get a paycheck after each tournament.

And as one of the other posters said when the rules were changed in 1968 to make the Slams open to both levels of players the amount of prize money went up because of how many players then went professional.

The WTA Tour didn't get started til around 1973 (perfect timing because Title IX was coming in to play for women and girls).

Answer 2

I think it means that you didnt have to be a stuck up country club member to play. Sorry, this doesn't help you.

Answer 3

The Open Era of tennis began in 1968, when most world-class tournaments first allowed professional players as well as amateurs to enter. Prior to the Open Era, only amateurs could enter the world's most prestigious tournaments, including the Grand Slams, leaving many of the top players of the day out of the competition. The distinction between professionals and amateurs had long been artificial and unfair, because many amateurs were receiving substantial compensation under the table. Once the governing bodies of tennis saw the light and allowed open competition, almost all of the top players became professionals. The quality of the major tournaments, the popularity of tennis, and the prize money for the players all surged strongly in response to the new Open Era rules.

meaning: amateurs played grand slams and official tournaments, and pros played excibitions and small tournaments.-

hope it helps.-