Tennis Was Once Played Indoors Only

Tennis Was Once Played Indoors Only

1. Origins in Royal Courts
   • The early version of tennis, known as "real tennis" or "royal tennis," was played indoors on enclosed courts during the Middle Ages in France and England.
2. Played by European Nobility
   • The game was popular among kings and aristocrats, including King Henry VIII of England, who had his own indoor court built in Hampton Court Palace in the 16th century.
3. A Different Court Design
   • Unlike modern tennis, real tennis courts had walls, sloping roofs, and irregular bounces, requiring a unique playing strategy.
4. Hand and Racket Evolution
   • The earliest versions of the game were played using the bare hand, then with a glove, and later with wooden rackets and tightly strung nets.
5. Transition to Outdoor Grass Courts
   • In the 19th century, the sport evolved into lawn tennis, played outdoors on grass courts, leading to the modern version we know today.
6. First Outdoor Tournament in 1877
   • The first official lawn tennis tournament was held at Wimbledon in 1877, marking the transition from indoor to outdoor competition.
7. Real Tennis Still Exists Today
   • Though rare, real tennis is still played in a few historical locations, with less than 50 courts worldwide, mainly in the UK, France, Australia, and the U.S.
8. Indoor Tennis Remains Popular
   • Today, indoor courts are widely used for professional and recreational play, offering climate-controlled conditions and consistent surfaces.

Tennis has come a long way from its exclusive indoor origins, evolving into a global sport played in stadiums, parks, and clubs around the world!