6 Questions
What was the original way to hit the ball in the game of Paume?
With the palms of their hands
What was the origin of the name 'Tennis'?
From the French word 'Tenez!'
What material were the first tennis balls made of?
Wood
In what year was Wimbledon first televised?
1937
What was the name given to the outdoor version of tennis?
Lawn tennis
Who was the first winner of the World Tennis Championship at Wimbledon?
Spencer Gore
Study Notes
The Origins of Tennis
- People in France played a game called "Paume" in the 12th century, hitting a ball with the palms of their hands.
- Later, they started wearing a leather glove to hit the ball, and in the 16th century, they used simple rackets.
- The game was called "Tennis" because players shouted "Tenez!" ("Let's play") at the start of each game.
Tennis in Europe
- Many kings in Europe played tennis, including King Henry VIII of England.
- King Henry VIII built an indoor tennis court at his favourite palace.
Evolution of Tennis
- The first tennis balls were made of wood.
- In 1873, people started playing tennis outside, calling the outdoor game "lawn tennis".
- Lawn tennis had new rules and a different court, and it is the same as modern tennis.
Wimbledon Championships
- Wimbledon was first broadcast on TV in 1937.
- In 1877, the first World Tennis Championship was held at Wimbledon in the UK, with 22 tennis players entering.
- Spencer Gore was the first winner of the Wimbledon Championship.
Women in Tennis
- In 1884, women started playing in the Wimbledon Championships.
- Venus and Serena Williams were the first sisters to win Olympic gold medals in tennis.
Learn about the origins of tennis, from its medieval roots in France to its modern-day popularity. Discover how the game evolved over centuries. Test your knowledge of tennis history!
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