Who Invented Tennis ?

Who invented tennis is perhaps the most difficult question to answer. There are several versions about the invention of tennis. One version claims that tennis was played by ancient people of Egypt, Greece and Rome. However, there is no supporting evidence for this claim.

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The word tennis originated from the French words such as tendere, tenez or tenir. This theory was believed because the word sounded similar to the French words. Actually, the racket that is used to hit the tennis ball was invented in Italy in 1583. Whether the Italians played tennis with it or not is unknown.

There were several games that were identical to tennis that were played in Europe. The first formal game of tennis was played by Major Walter C. Wingfield in 1874. He played the game at a party to entertain his guests. He played the game with a partner on the lawn and that is why it is referred to as lawn tennis even today. This was the game that resembled modern tennis very closely.

The earlier form of tennis was played in an hour glass shaped court. It was the widest at the service line and shortest in the middle where the net was tied. However, this was later modified to look like a rectangular shaped court with equal dimensions.

Lawn tennis first became popular in Great Britain. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club was established at Wimbledon where the game was mainly played. After a few years, the game became popular as Wimbledon. Women also expressed their interest and desire to play and soon took to the game. Basically the credit for the popularity of tennis spreading throughout the world should go to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

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