What was tennis originally called

History of Tennis: Its Ancient Beginnings

Tennis is a ball game that has been entertaining players and spectators for centuries. The game that we now know as tennis is much changed from its original form, but its spirit remains the same. It’s embedded in competitiveness, skill, and strategic pursuits. Historically, tennis originated from a game called jeu de paume, a popular game during the Middle Ages in France. Though the word tennis is now used globally, most are oblivious to the fact that this wasn’t always the case.

In its infancy, the game of tennis wasn’t played with rackets but the palm of the hand. It involved bouncing the ball against a wall or over a rope. As the game evolved, it transitioned from the walls to the courts, giving birth to the idea of tennis courts as we now know them.

The Emergence of the Word Tennis

The origin of the word tennis dates back to the 13th century, deriving from the French term tenez, meaning ‘take heed’ or ‘ready’. This was likely shouted by the server to the receiver to signal the start of play. The game was called jeu de paume (game of the palm) in France and the Arabic word for ‘palm’ influenced the French terminology.

The word tennis gradually began to replace jeu de paume once racquets were introduced, and squares or “courts” were used instead of walls. This shift in nomenclature from jeu de paume to ‘tennis,’ included in the set of rules for the then newly-founded lawn tennis club.

Real Tennis and Modern Tennis

Between real and modern tennis, numerous differences can be pointed out. What was tennis originally called? The game early adopters enjoyed was called real tennis. Real tennis is seen as the original racquet sport from which the modern game evolved. It was traditionally played on an enclosed court, unlike the open, rectangular grass court of the modern game.

By contrast, modern tennis (known as lawn tennis) was adapted and optimised for outdoor play, with more straightforward rules making it more accessible to the masses. Major Walter Clopton Wingfield is credited with the invention of modern tennis in the late 19th century.

The Inception of Tennis Tournaments

With the popularity of tennis growing within the United States and United Kingdom, the need for competitive events, or tennis tournaments, emerged. The first championship tournament was held at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, London, in 1877. This event, also known as the Wimbledon tournament, was instrumental in shaping the game’s official rules.

As the game’s popularity spread internationally, more tournaments followed. Today, the most prestigious tennis tournaments worldwide are the four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open.

The Evolution of Tennis Courts

The game of tennis has been played on several types of surface over its long history. From the implicit walls of its origins to the modern, open-air rectangular tennis courts we know today. Initially, real tennis was often played on a grass court, which gave way to the name lawn tennis.

Modern tennis courts can be classified mainly into four types based on their surfaces: grass, clay, hard, and carpet. Each type offers different playing features and influences the ball’s speed and player’s movement.

Who Plays Tennis Today?

Playing tennis has extended far beyond the elite classes who originally embraced the sport. Whoever plays tennis today will find a game that develops physical agility and strategic thinking. From children learning the basics to adults playing for leisure or youth competing at professional levels, tennis offers something for everyone.

The game has professional athletes, including men and women, who compete at the highest levels internationally. These professionals attract millions of spectators. It’s not just witness restrictions to the professional sphere; amateurs, too, enjoy the game at local tennis clubs, parks, and in school competitions.

FAQs about Tennis History and Evolution

Where did tennis originate?

Tennis originated in France during the 12th century as a handball game called jeu de paume.

Who introduced the modern game of tennis?

Major Walter Clopton Wingfield is often credited with the invention of modern tennis.

Why is the game called tennis?

The game derives its name from the French word ‘tenez’ which probably was shouted by the server to the receiver before serving.

What is real tennis?

Real tennis is the ancient game from which modern tennis has evolved. It was traditionally played on an enclosed court.

Where was the first tennis tournament held?

The first championship tournament was held at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, London, in 1877.

What are the four types of tennis court surfaces?

The four different types of surfaces are grass, clay, hard, and carpet courts.

Who can play tennis today?

Anyone regardless of their age or ability can play tennis today. It is widely played at the amateur level in clubs, parks, and schools.

Is the word tennis derived from an Arabic word?

The French term ‘tenez’, from which ‘tennis’ derives, is influenced by the Arabic word for ‘palm’ referencing the early version of the game played with the palm of the hand.

What are the major tennis tournaments?

The four major tennis tournaments, also known as the Grand Slams, are the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S Open.

Does the United States have a significant role in tennis history?

The United States played a vital role in popularising tennis and currently hosts one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, the U.S Open.