Who Invented Tennis? – The History, Origin, And Evolution
Tennis is now a sport that not just got international fame but also now hosts some prestigious tournaments. However, this sport has evolved in a completely different way than we think. So, do you know who invented tennis and what is the real history behind it?
Tennis is one of the most popular sports played and cherished all around the world. It is now enjoyed by millions of people of all ages. The origins of tennis can be traced back over a thousand years, but it was not until the late 19th century that the game we know today as tennis was formalized.
So, the SportsMonkie team took a deep dive into the origin and history of tennis to uncover the mystery. Without any further ado, let’s start!
The Origin Of Tennis – Who Invented It?
The origins of tennis can be traced back to the 12th century when it was played in France under the name of jeu de paume, or “game of the palm.” Since then, it has been counted among the oldest sports humankind has ever enjoyed.
The game involved hitting a ball back and forth over a rope that was strung across a courtyard. Over time, the game evolved, and by the 16th century, rackets were introduced, and the ball was hit over a net.
Introduction Of Lawn Tennis
In the late 19th century, the game of tennis underwent significant changes with the introduction of lawn tennis. The game was brought to England and quickly gained popularity. And in a few years, it became one of the most popular English sports.
This new version of the sport was played on a grass court and used a new type of ball made of felt, which was lighter and bounced better than the previous balls used in the game.
This made the game faster and more exciting and helped to spur its growth.
First-Ever Tennis Tournament
The first tournament of lawn tennis was held in 1877 and was open to both male and female players. The tournament was held in Wimbledon, England, and remains one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments to this day.
The governing bodies of tennis include the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the Grand Slam tournaments (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open).
Evolution Of Tennis Through The Years
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tennis was largely a sport played by the wealthy. It was also widely counted among the richest sports at that time.
This began to change in the mid-20th century with the advent of indoor tennis courts and the introduction of new materials and technologies that made tennis more accessible to a wider range of people.
Indoor tennis courts made it possible to play tennis year-round, regardless of weather conditions, and helped to further increase the popularity of the sport.
Final Note
Tennis has a rich history that spans over a thousand years. From its early beginnings as a game played in France to its evolution into a modern sport, it has come a long way. With the introduction of lawn tennis and indoor tennis, it became more popular than ever.
So, that’s all we had to tell you about the origin and evolution of tennis. If you have further queries, start a conversation with us in the comment box below!
