Introduction to Tennis
Tennis is an exciting, fast-paced sport that has been around for centuries. It has been a sport of choice for millions of people around the world and continues to be a popular sport today. Let’s take a look at the history of tennis and find out when it became popular.
Origins of Tennis
Tennis has a long and fascinating history. It is believed that the game originated in France in the 12th century. It was originally called “jeu de paume,” which translates to “game of the palm,” and was played by striking a ball with the palms of the hands.
The game eventually spread to England and was known as “real tennis.” By the 16th century, tennis was a popular game among the upper class in England.
Development of Tennis
Tennis continued to evolve over the centuries. In 1873, Major Walter Clopton Wingfield patented the modern version of the game. He introduced a rectangular court, a net, and a scoring system. Soon after, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) was founded in Wimbledon, England, and held the first-ever Wimbledon tournament in 1877.
Tennis in the United States
Tennis also made its way to the United States in the 19th century. It was introduced by Mary Ewing Outerbridge, who brought a set of tennis equipment from Bermuda to New York in 1874. The first-ever U.S. National Championships were held in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1881.
Tennis Becomes an Olympic Sport
Tennis was officially recognized as an Olympic sport in 1896. The first Olympic tennis tournament was held in Athens, Greece, and featured men’s and women’s singles and doubles events.
Growth of Professional Tennis
Professional tennis started to become popular in the late 19th century. In 1926, the International Lawn Tennis Federation (ILTF) was formed to govern professional tennis. The first-ever professional tour was held in 1927, and the first-ever Grand Slam tournament was held in 1968.
Tennis in the Modern Era
Tennis has continued to grow in popularity in the modern era. The game has been featured in many movies and television shows, and has become a major spectator sport. It is estimated that there are more than 200 million people playing tennis worldwide.
Popularity of Tennis
Tennis has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is estimated that there are over 1.1 billion fans of the sport around the world. It is a popular sport among all ages and is one of the most-watched sports in the world.
Tennis and Social Media
Social media has also played a major role in increasing the popularity of tennis. Many of the top tennis players have large social media followings, and tennis tournaments and matches are often streamed to millions of people online.
Conclusion
Tennis is a sport that has been around for centuries, and its popularity continues to grow. It has become an Olympic sport, and professional tennis has grown in recent years. Social media has also played a major role in increasing the popularity of the sport. There is no doubt that tennis will remain a popular sport for years to come.