<P> In 1968 , commercial pressures and rumors of some amateurs taking money under the table led to the abandonment of this distinction , inaugurating the open era , in which all players could compete in all tournaments , and top players were able to make their living from tennis . With the beginning of the open era , the establishment of an international professional tennis circuit , and revenues from the sale of television rights , tennis 's popularity has spread worldwide , and the sport has shed its upper / middle - class English - speaking image ( although it is acknowledged that this stereotype still exists ) . </P>
<P> In 1968 , commercial pressures and rumors of some amateurs taking money under the table led to the abandonment of this distinction , inaugurating the open era , in which all players could compete in all tournaments , and top players were able to make their living from tennis . With the beginning of the open era , the establishment of an international professional tennis circuit , and revenues from the sale of television rights , tennis 's popularity has spread worldwide , and the sport has shed its upper / middle - class English - speaking image ( although it is acknowledged that this stereotype still exists ) . </P>
when did the open era in tennis begin
when did the open era in tennis begin
1968
1968