Tennis - History Of Tennis

A Brief History Of Tennis

Tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world, although the game as we know it today has only been around since the late 19th century. The roots of the game can be traced back much further, however.

Popular opinion is that the inception of tennis can be traced back to 12th century France. However the game played back then involved using the palm of a players hand to strike the ball. It was not until the 16th century that rackets came into use and the name 'tennis' was first used.

Real Tennis

The game played in the 16th century differed from tennis today in that it was played indoors, and the ball was allowed to be played of the walls. Henry VIII was a big fan of this game - which we now know as 'Real Tennis'.

Creation of Lawn Tennis

The first step towards the game we play today came when Harry Gem and Augurio Perera developed a game combining rackets and balls, and then played outside on a croquet lawn. With their new game they founded the first tennis club in Leamington Spa, England, in 1872.

However it is actually Major Walter Clopton Wingfield who is traditionally given all the credit of the creation of tennis as we play it today. A year later, in December 1973, he designed and patented a new variation of the game - called Sphairistrike - for which he sold equipment and published rules.

First Tournaments

The game quickly became very popular, and many clubs were formed. The first tournament, 'the Championships, Wimbledon' were held in 1877. Other competitions soon followed, including the first Davis Cup in 1900.

As the game grew, it became clear that governance was required. Different variations of the game were played around the world, with different rules and equipment. The formation of the ITF countered this, with the creation of standardised rules and regulations.

Open Era

The big milestone for tennis in the last century came in 1968. This saw the end of the amatuer era. Commercial pressures, and rumours of some players being played to play saw the switch to the Open era of professional tennis, that we have today.

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