[2][3][4] They were held annually throughout the year in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

These tournaments were the most prestigious and highest level events of the Grand Prix Tour after the majors and year-end championships.

[9] The nine top events existing at that time are now known as ATP Tour Masters 1000 tournaments.

The Grand Prix tennis circuit was conceived from idea put forward by former World No.

He proposed "a series of tournaments with a money bonus pool that would be split up on the basis of a cumulative point system."

and to "encourage players to compete regularly in the series and qualify for a special championship tournament at the end of the tour season".

The WCT founded by Lamar Hunt and David Dixon (1968) was merged into the Grand Prix Tour in 1978.

After the Majors and Year-end Championships, these events were the highest in-terms of status at the time.

The Super Series consisted of 28 tournaments with prize money of at least $175,000 (excluding Grand Slams).