Real Tennis, or Court Tennis as it is also known, is a racquet sport that has been around for centuries. It is considered to be the original form of modern tennis, and is played in the same court dimensions and with the same scoring system. It is popular in England, France, Australia, the United States and other countries, with a growing number of players. But who invented real tennis?
History
Real tennis has been around for centuries, and there is evidence of similar games being played as early as the 13th century. It is believed that the game was developed from an ancient handball game called jeu de paume, which was popular among French monks.
The game was originally played with bare hands, but later on, players began to use gloves. By the 16th century, the game had become popular in France, England and other European countries, and the first tennis court was built in 1490.
Origins of Real Tennis
The exact origin of real tennis is debated, but the game is believed to have been developed in the 16th century by French players. It is believed that the first recorded game of real tennis was between King Henry VIII of England and Anne Boleyn in 1530.
The game was then brought to England by French players, and it quickly became popular among the English aristocracy. By the 17th century, the game had spread to other parts of Europe and was played in many courts across the continent.
Major Developments of the Game
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, real tennis underwent several major developments and changes. The first major change was the introduction of the racquet, which replaced the bare hands and gloves that were used in the original game.
In 1725, the rules of the game were also changed, introducing a new scoring system and making the game more competitive. Other developments included the introduction of the net, the introduction of the service line, and the introduction of the doubles game.
The Father of Real Tennis
The person who is credited with inventing real tennis is the French player, Louis X of France. He is also known as Louis the Great, and is believed to have been the first person to have played the game with a racquet.
During his reign in the 14th century, he developed the game into what it is today and is credited with introducing the scoring system and other major changes. He is also credited with introducing the game to England and other parts of Europe.
Royal Game of Kings
Real tennis was a popular pastime among French and English royalty, and the game was even used as a form of entertainment for members of the royal court. It was also a popular game among the nobility, and the game was often used as a way to settle disputes.
The game was so popular among the aristocracy that it was even referred to as the “Royal Game of Kings”.
Modern Real Tennis
Modern real tennis is a very different game from the original version that was played in the 16th century. The racquets and balls have changed, and the courts have been modified to make the game more accessible.
The scoring system has also been changed to make it easier to understand and to make the game more interesting. The game is now played in a variety of countries, and there are international tournaments in which players from all over the world can compete.
Real Tennis Today
Real tennis today is a popular sport among players of all levels, from beginner players to professional players. The game is still popular in England, France and Australia, and there are a growing number of players in the United States.
The game can be played in a variety of courts, from indoor courts to outdoor courts, and there are a variety of tournaments and leagues in which players can compete.
Conclusion
Real tennis is an ancient sport that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have been invented by the French player, Louis X of France, and it quickly became popular among the aristocracy.
Throughout the centuries, the game has undergone several major developments, and today it is a popular sport among players of all levels. The game is still popular in England, France and other countries, and it is growing in popularity in the United States.
So, who invented real tennis? The answer is Louis X of France. He is credited with inventing the game and introducing it to the world.