The History Of Tennis - Tennis History Timeline

Some argue, that the origin of tennis came before that! They believe that the Egyptians and Arabs should be accredited for the modern day tennis and the tennis history was triggered by these early dwellers.

Origin Of Tennis And Beyond!

A ball, which usually consisted of a wad of wool or sawdust bound together, was hit over a piece of string to each other.

As they served the ball to the other player the monk would shout "Tenez" meaning something along the lines of "Take this". This was the birth of history of tennis balls It became incredibly popular with the French Kings and nobility and soon was known as Real Tennis, meaning Royal Tennis. History of tennis took leaps and bounds in the 1500's to the 1700's.

Gloves to hit the ball with were invented, the history of tennis shoes suddenly advanced dramatically, and then a paddle shaped racquet appeared on the market which gave way to the search of a better ball. The new ball was stitched together with leather and more robust, very similar to a baseball.

In the 1700's the game suffered a lull and most people completely forgot about it. However, in 1874 Major Walter Clopton Wingfield brought the history of tennis back to life in one of his tea parties in his English estate. He had no idea how fast it was going to spread, in under a year courts appeared in the U.S and China, Russia and Canada was producing equipment.

Major Walter Clopton Wingfield soon gave up trying to control the rapid expansion and gave the sport up to the "All England Club" which promptely changed some rules and began the Wimbledon Tennis History era.

History changed by Tennis! Tennis may not seem like a history-changer. Yet, I bet you wouldn't believe it has altered and hosted revolutions in the past! Read a little snippet about The Tennis Court Oath

History Of Tennis Timeline

King Louis X from France dies during a tough game of "jeu de paume". Despite the death people keep on playing in full flow.

1535.

King Henry VIII of England starts on the construction of Hapmton tennis court inside Hapmton palace.

1873.

A former British officer named Walter Clopton Wingfield brings back the history of tennis and trys to patent the game. He is relatively successful in patenting manufactures and a version of Real Tennis. He decides to call it ‘Sphairistike’ (ball games in Greek), Wingfield sells 'Sphairistike' for 5 pounds each. He sells boxes with the equipment needed to play and does very well for himself during 1873. He also gives up using the name "Sphairistike" as nobody can pronounce it properly.

1874.

One of Wingfield's boxes makes it's way to America and the first tournament is played in Mary Ewing's mansion in New York.

1876.

Croquet Lawns become tennis courts as tennis becomes increasingly popular.

1877.

Spencer Gore Wins the first Wimbledon title. Marking the start of Wimbledon Tennis History

1880's.

The United States forms the USTA (United States Tennis Association) and hosts it's first national tournament in Rhode Island. Dick Sears emerges in tennis history as the first American tournament winner.

1896.

Olympic games include Tennis as a sport. It is also considered one of the most important sports .

History of tennis 1900's.

Dwight F. Davis decides to challenge England to Tennis match it quickly becomes known as the Davis Cup. Davis was from Harvard University.

1905.

The Australian Open history of tennis is born. It was previously known as the Australian National Championships.

1912.

The International Lawn Tennis Federation is set up so as to regulate the four major tournaments. Wimbledon, U.S Open, Australian Open, and French Open.

1918.

Suzanne Lenglen from France, makes tennis fashionable as she wins Wimbledon along with other tournaments. The public see her use of athleticism, balance, and beauty and are awed.

1927.

The French rename their French Open stadium after a war hero called Roland Garros. They also win the Davis Cup in this year

1934.

Fred Perry and Dorothy Round from England respectively win Mens singles and Womens singles titles. It is actually the last time a British person has won both!

1938.

Don Budge wins all four Grand Slam titles in one year!

1940.

Wimbledon tennis club got hit by a bomb, causing a tragic loss of 1000 seats.

History of tennis 1950.

Jack Kramer won wimbledon in 1947 and now created the world tour. Players can travel around playing tournaments and winning money.

1953.

Maureen Connolly becomes the first woman to win all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single year. Unfortunately right after her fourth title she fell of a horse causing her to break her legs and her career was over.

1962.

The Australian Rod Laver wins his first Wimbledon title. The Australian Open stadium would be later named after his great successes.

1967.

Tennis becomes open to everyone. All players can enter regardless of statue.

1968.

Bournemouth hosts the first ‘open’ tournament. Ken Rosewell wins the tournament and later goes on to win the French Open.

1970.

The tie-break system is introduced although slightly different from what we know today. It had 9 points and if the players reached 4-4 they would play one extremely nervous deciding point!

1973.

A computer ranking system is introduced so that players can gain rightful entries into tournaments. Billie Jean King's match hosts a record of other 30,000 spectators.

1977.

Virginia Wade was the last British Tennis Player to win Wimbledon. She won the Women's title. The first Tennis museum also opened in 1977.

1980.

Borg beats Mcenroe in the longest tie-break in the history of tennis. It was 18-16 for Borg. Mcenroe saved 7 thrilling match points but Borg eventually got the better of him! Mcenroe was unhappy with his loss to say the least.

1984.

Sweeden establishes a Clay Court and hosts the Davis Cup upon it.

1985.

Boris Becker becomes the youngest player to win a Grand Slam. He made Wimbledon tennis history by winning the tournament when only 17 years old!

1988.

The Australian Open builds a new center for the tournament, it pulls the standard on the Australian Open up significantly as previously it had be dwindling.

1990.

Wimbledon Tennis History. Martina Navratilova wins her 9th Women's Single title!

1994.

Navratilova retires with a record breaking 167 singles titles under her belt.

2003.

Pete Sampras retires from tennis. Was known as the best player in the history of tennis.

2004.

Roger Federer emerges on the scene winning 3 out of the 4 Grand Slams. Later to break nearly all of the history of tennis records.

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