How Tennis Began

Known as the "Sport of Kings," Tennis became a popular sport that has descended from the 1200s. Tennis probably originated in France during the middle ages. It has changed with time, and culture over the centuries. The game has been entertaining for the audience like it has been for the tournament, itself. People love the game, and it will continue to be a popular venue at Olympic Games, and in local communities.

In Australia, you may watch a live game in the pros on hard courts. While in France, spectators may watch athletes play on clay courts. In other parts of Europe, grass courts have been used to play professional tournaments. Across the world, the game may change in terms, policies, and rules. However, tennis has caught on as a major world wide sport. It began as an indoor game without a racket. The players would compete as balls would bounce off the wall. It probably could be considered an ancestor of racquetball, or a close cousin. Joe Sobek is recognized for establishing the modern game of racquetball in 1950 at the local YMCA. The goal was to establish a game that was easy to learn. He was a professional tennis, and handball player. In 1952, he established the National Paddle Rackets Association. While there was earlier forms of racquetball, he began a modern phenomenon. Today, the Olympics recognizes Racquetball as a professional sport. Tennis influenced the game in ancient times, and in the recent past.

Tennis has had several names. Court Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Royal Tennis, and Real (the oldest recorded French version). The latter name was coined by a journalist to distinguish the early style of tennis. Some believe that the early games were played by monks in monasteries. The racket was added during the sixteenth century. Across Europe, the game took over the continent. And, it became popular in America in the twentieth century.

King Henry the VIII of England was a fan of Tennis. About three hundred years passed when Paris had 250 courts in 1596. Some say King Henry III was watching a game when news came to him of his wife, Anne Boleyn's arrest, and execution.

Many of the Royal Family played tennis. The first known book written of the game was published in 1555 called Trattato del Giuoco della Palla by an Italian Catholic Priest. The first pro tennis tour was organized in 1571 with various divisions of professionals, apprentice, associate, and master. Twenty-eight years later, the first codification of rules was written.
The seventh century brought more popularity across Europe.

By the American Revolution, the game had declined to the competition of a racquetball form of playing ball. Then, court tennis arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1876. New York had the game within fifteen years of the Boston era. Truly, tennis is the oldest type of competitive professional sport known in the world. The first Tennis Association was organized in 1881. For the next decade, both professional men, and women tournaments would be formed. Games have been on the court ever since. The International Tennis Federation has been a part of the professional scene since the mid 1920s. The first pro tour exhibition of the Americans, and French was organized in 1926 It was sold to audiences nationwide.

The first Federation Cup was created in 1963 in celebration of the 50 year of the organization of the original organization in 1913. Tennis has developed in a variety of different ways since the Middle Ages. While, tennis has changed with the cultures. It has become one of the most enjoyable games that provides a very good workout to the players who participate.

In 1954, the first Professional Tennis Hall of Fame was created in Newport, Rhode Island. The game had crossed England between 1837, and 1901 during the Victorian Era. The game became an icon after a decline in the 1700s. When it came to the United States, it did not take long for it to become a popular sport. As long as Americans are competitive, there will be a professional sport.. People of all ages will be enjoying the game. Tennis is one of the best cardiovascular workouts money could buy. With the modern tools, equipment, clothes, and accessories, one can look like a pro on the court.