The history of tennis

Tennis, a popular sport played worldwide, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Its origins can be traced to France, where it was initially known as "jeu de paume," meaning "game of the palm." Players used their hands to hit a ball back and forth over a net.

In the 16th century, racquets were introduced, leading to the game's evolution into "real tennis." This version of the sport was played indoors and featured elaborate court designs with walls and sloping roofs. Real tennis remained popular among European nobility for centuries.

In the 19th century, lawn tennis emerged in England. Major Walter Clopton Wingfield patented the first version of the game in 1874. It quickly gained popularity, spreading across Europe and beyond. Lawn tennis was played on grass courts, and the rules were standardized by the All England Croquet Club, which later became the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, host of the prestigious Wimbledon Championships.

Tennis continued to grow in popularity throughout the 20th century, with the establishment of major tournaments such as the US Open, French Open, and Australian Open. The sport also became an Olympic event, further cementing its status as a global phenomenon.

Today, tennis is played by millions of people worldwide, from recreational players to professional athletes competing in Grand Slam tournaments and the Olympic Games.