Tennis is the favorite sport of many people around the world today. Its popularity has gained fans and competitors in over a hundred countries. It is now being covered by a huge TV broadcast and sponsorship and is considered one of the richest sports in the world. Millions of people play the game for recreation and amateur tournaments. Tennis fans and enthusiasts emulate the games of celebrated players like Federer, Nadal, Agassi and Sampras and Sister Williams, Hinges, Navratilova, Graff and many more. But how did this popular sport evolve to its current unstoppable fame? The following paragraphs describe a brief history of tennis.
During the 12th century, there was this game that the French invented where it was played on a court using the hands to hit the ball. (the game was called “palma” which means palm). Palm switched to tennis and rackets were used and the game expanded and progressed in Europe. In 1873, Major Walter Wingfield created a game called Sphairistike, which is a Greek word for “play ball.” He first played it on a grass pitch in Wales. Playing ball on a grass court later became known as lawn tennis, which progressed to become today’s outdoor tennis.
Due to the need for players to demonstrate their outstanding tennis skills, tournaments were created for both amateurs and professionals. Today, there are various international tournaments, including the four major tennis championships (Grand Slam). The first of the slam tournaments is the US Open. It was the first tennis tournament to introduce the tiebreaker system in 1970 after it took FD Robbins 100 games to defeat Dick Dell. Another tennis tournament is Wimbledon which is played in Great Britain. Wimbledon was created due to its overwhelming popularity over croquet back in 1875. The French also set a third slam in 1891 which became international in 1925. While the Australian Open was included in the slam in 1905.
But this sport does not stop there; it has advanced and as we experience it now, it is not just an endearing game, it has also become a stylish game. Players use specially branded tennis rackets, clothing, shoes, bags, and other player-compatible tennis equipment. Some of these kits will cost you a few dollars to get a complete set. It has also been one of the most controversial sports, turning players into celebrities giving way to lavish lifestyles and highly attended matches.