History of Tennis

Tennis dominates sporting arenas in the United States and around the world. It is one of the few truly international sports. Tennis can also claim to be one of the oldest modern sports, and its popularity with children and adults alike is undeniable. Even video games now replicate the fun activity. Many aficionados of the sport are not aware of its unique history.

The real beginning

Most people believe the original start of tennis came in the 12th century, when French monks used their hands to slap heavy, stuffed balls against a wall, taking turns with an opponent. Very similar to modern versions of racquetball, this theory lends that modern tennis, squash and other racquet sports evolved from this original game.

Popularity begins

Eventually the sport evolved to be played on the lawn and with actual racquets. King Henry VIII obsessed over the sport and spent long hours playing. Since citizens often considered a monarch's likes high-fashion, the English and French celebrated the sport. Shakespeare actually mentioned tennis in his works, showing the increasing popularity of the sport.

Modern tennis

Two separate influences created the most modern version of tennis, actually called "lawn tennis." Two men combined the rules of old tennis with a the Spanish game Pelota and created a version played with rackets. A few years later, a man in Wales finalized the sport, taking a croquet court and modifying it to the dimensions we recognize today. He also created the first eight-page rule book.

One of the truly international sports, tennis has a long and colorful history. The changes since its origin have completely transformed it. With this dynamic history, there is a good chance the game will continue to grow and evolve for years to come.