Tennis is a sport enjoyed by millions worldwide, but how much do you know about its origins?
The earliest evidence of tennis dates back to the 12th century in Northern France, where monks played a game resembling tennis over a rope or against a wall in their courtyards. The sport soon found its way to England, becoming a favourite pastime among the royal families—even King Henry VIII was known to play the game.
How did these early versions of tennis evolve into the modern sport we know today?
In 1874, Major Walter Wingfield patented a version of the game called “A New and Improved Court for Playing the Ancient Game of Tennis.” He is often credited with modernising tennis and shaping it into a form more familiar to us. Interestingly, Wingfield's initial version was played on an hourglass-shaped court with a net significantly higher than today's standard. Recognising the need for standardised rules, the Marylebone Cricket Club stepped in to establish the foundational rules of tennis.
Tennis carved its place in history by being part of the inaugural modern Olympic Games in 1896. In a progressive move, women's singles and men's doubles were introduced in the 1900 Olympics. However, after the 1924 Paris Games, tennis took a hiatus from the Olympics, only to make a triumphant return in 1988.
The year 1968 marked the beginning of the Open Era in tennis, a significant shift that allowed professionals to compete alongside amateurs. Prior to this, the four Grand Slam tournaments were exclusive to amateur players. The Open Era not only revolutionised the sport but also paved the way for players to earn a livelihood from tennis.
The development of the women's professional circuit also played a crucial role in the sport's evolution. In 1926, the world's number one female player, Suzanne Lenglen, accepted $50,000 for a series of matches, marking the beginnings of professional women's tennis. However, it wasn't until 1973 that the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) was formed—a historic landmark for the sport.
That same year, the iconic "Battle of the Sexes" match took place, where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs. This event brought unprecedented media attention to women's tennis and remains a symbol of gender equality in sports. Following this match, the journey toward equal prize money for men and women gained momentum. The "Battle of the Sexes" was just the start of Billie Jean King's numerous contributions to the sport.