Fascinating Facts About Tennis

Intro

​Tennis is a sport that has been played for centuries and has captured the hearts of millions around the world. From the grand slams to the local club tournaments, tennis is a game that is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. In this article, I will share some fascinating facts (I think they're fascinating!) about tennis that you may not have known before.

Did you know that tennis was originally played with bare hands? It wasn't until the 1870s that players started using gloves to protect their hands from the hard, leather balls. Another interesting fact is that the first Wimbledon tournament was held in 1877 and only men were allowed to compete. Women's singles were not introduced until 1884, and it wasn't until 1922 that women's doubles and mixed doubles were added to the tournament.

Tennis is also a sport that has seen some incredible athletes over the years. Players like Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and Rafael Nadal have dominated the sport and set records that may never be broken. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there is no denying that tennis is a fascinating sport that has a rich history and a bright future.

Origins of Tennis

Cromarty Tennis Club in 1908 (Nova Scotia)

​Tennis has a long and fascinating history, with roots dating back to ancient times. The game we know today as tennis evolved from a variety of ball games that were played in Europe during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest forms of tennis was a game called "jeu de paume," which was played in France in the 12th century. In this game, players hit a ball back and forth using their hands. Over time, players began to use gloves to protect their hands, and the game evolved to include racquets.

The word "tennis" is believed to have come from the French word "tenez," which means "take heed" or "receive." This was the word that was traditionally shouted by the server to his opponent before serving the ball.

The modern game of tennis as we know it today was developed in England in the late 19th century. The first tennis club was founded in Leamington Spa in 1872, and the first Wimbledon tournament was held in 1877.

Today, tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of players and fans around the globe. Its origins may be humble, but the game has come a long way since its early days in medieval Europe.

The Game's Evolution

A Classic Dunlop Wooden Tennis Racket

​Tennis has undergone many changes throughout the years, from the equipment used to the rules and regulations that govern the game.

One of the most significant changes in tennis was the switch from wooden rackets to graphite rackets in the 1980s. This change allowed players to hit the ball with more power and control, leading to a more aggressive style of play. Additionally, the introduction of new string materials has given players even more control over their shots.

Another major change in tennis was the introduction of tiebreakers in the 1970s. Before then, matches could go on indefinitely, leading to exhausting and sometimes dangerous conditions for players. The tiebreaker system ensures that matches have a definitive end, making the game more enjoyable for players and spectators alike.

The scoring system in tennis has also undergone several changes over the years. The original scoring system was based on the clock, with each game lasting one hour. This was later changed to a system based on points, with games consisting of four points and sets consisting of six games. Today, the standard scoring system is based on a tiebreaker system, with each game consisting of four points and sets consisting of six games.

Tennis Terminology

​As a tennis fan, sometimes the terminology can be confusing to beginners. Clearly, if you play tennis regularly, just skip this section.
Here are some of the most common tennis terms that every tennis player should know:

Ace - a serve that is not touched by the receiver and results in a point for the server.

Deuce - when both players have won three points each in a game, and the score is tied at 40-40.

Double Fault - when a player fails to get both of their serves in, resulting in the loss of a point.

Love - a score of zero in tennis.

Match Point - the point that, if won, will give the player the victory in the match.

Set Point - the point that, if won, will give the player the victory in the set.

Advantage - when a player wins a point after a deuce, they gain the advantage. If they win the next point, they win the game. If they lose the next point, the score goes back to deuce.

In addition to these terms, there are also different types of shots that players use during a match:

Forehand - a shot hit with the dominant hand across the body.

Backhand - a shot hit with the non-dominant hand across the body.

Serve - the shot used to start each point, where the player hits the ball over the net to the opponent.

Famous Tennis Tournaments

Wimbledon Centre Court

​Again, if you're a current tennis fan, you're well aware of these tournaments. If not, below are four major tournaments that feature the best players in the world:

Wimbledon
Wimbledon is one of the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. It is held annually in London, England, and is the only Grand Slam tournament that is still played on grass. The tournament attracts the best tennis players from all over the world, and the matches are played in front of a packed crowd of tennis fans.

US Open
The US Open is another major tennis tournament that is held annually in New York City. It is the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year and is played on hard courts. The tournament is known for its electric atmosphere and attracts millions of viewers from around the world.

Australian Open
The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam tournament of the year and is held annually in Melbourne, Australia. It is played on hard courts and attracts some of the best tennis players in the world. The tournament is known for its scorching temperatures, which can reach up to 40°C.

French Open
The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, is held annually in Paris, France. It is the only Grand Slam tournament that is played on clay courts and is known for its unique red surface. The tournament is famous for its long rallies and grueling matches, which often last for hours.

Tennis Trivia

The Longest Match In Tennis History

So, while a lot of this article was geared towards beginners, the trivia below should stump even the most die-hard tennis fans. The next time you're playing with friends or at a party, throw a few of these out there. I'd be curious as to how many your friends could answer correctly. 

• ​The longest tennis match in history lasted for 11 hours and 5 minutes. It was played at Wimbledon in 2010 between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut.
• The fastest serve ever recorded in professional tennis was 163.7 miles per hour (263.4 km/h) by Sam Groth in 2012.
• The youngest player to win a Grand Slam singles title was Martina Hingis, who won the Australian Open in 1997 at the age of 16 years and 3 months.
• The oldest player to win a Grand Slam singles title was Ken Rosewall, who won the Australian Open in 1972 at the age of 37 years and 2 months.
• The most Grand Slam singles titles won by a male player is 20, by Roger Federer.
• The most Grand Slam singles titles won by a female player is 24, by Margaret Court.
• The first tennis tournament ever played was held in 1877 at Wimbledon.
• The only tennis player to win the Calendar Year Grand Slam (winning all four major tournaments in the same year) twice was Rod Laver, in 1962 and 1969.
• The term "love" in tennis scoring comes from the French word "l'oeuf", which means "egg". It is thought to refer to the egg-shaped zero on the scoreboard.
• The first tennis balls were made of leather and stuffed with wool or hair. They were quite heavy and didn't bounce very well.
• The first Wimbledon championship was only open to men, and women were not allowed to compete until 1884.
• The tallest player in professional tennis history is Ivo Karlovic, who is 6 feet 11 inches (211 cm) tall.
• The shortest player to win a Grand Slam singles title was Roscoe Tanner, who was 6 feet (183 cm) tall.
• The most games won in a single set in professional tennis is 36, by John McEnroe against Mats Wilander in 1982.
• The most games won in a single match in professional tennis is 71, by John Isner and Nicolas Mahut in their 2010 Wimbledon marathon match.

Final Thoughts

I hope you learned something new today! 

For tennis book recommendations, be sure to check out our article, which features a diverse set of titles from the perspective of players, coaches, and writers.