Tennis Was Once Played Indoors Only
- 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.
- 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.
- A Different Court Design
- Unlike modern tennis, real tennis courts had walls, sloping roofs, and irregular bounces, requiring a unique playing strategy.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!