The history of tennis in 8 key dates
a journey through time
Tennis, a sport loved by millions around the world, has a rich history that spans centuries. From its origins in medieval France to its rise as a global phenomenon, tennis has seen many pivotal moments. Here are eight key dates that have shaped the world of tennis:
12th Century
Tennis finds its roots in the medieval courtyards of France with a game known as « jeu de paume » or « game of the palm. » Unlike the rackets we’re familiar with today, early players used their hands to strike a ball back and forth. As the game evolved, players began using gloves, and eventually, rudimentary rackets. Played primarily by monks for recreation, « jeu de paume » quickly spread beyond monastery walls, capturing the interest of the French nobility. This early form of tennis laid the foundation for the modern game we know and love today, and its influence can still be seen in terms like « love » and « deuce, » which are believed to have been derived from French phrases used during the game.
1874
A pivotal year in the evolution of tennis, 1874 saw Major Walter Clopton Wingfield patent a game he named « Sphairistikè, » which translates to « playing ball » in Ancient Greek. Introduced at a garden party in Wales, this game was played on an hourglass-shaped court and is widely recognized as the precursor to modern lawn tennis. Wingfield’s version of the game came with a set of rules and equipment, including a net, rubber balls, and rackets. The game’s popularity surged rapidly, not just in Britain but across the world. By the end of the year, sets of Wingfield’s tennis equipment were being sold internationally. This year marked the transition of tennis from its medieval origins to a form more recognizable to contemporary enthusiasts.
1881
A significant year in the annals of tennis, 1881 witnessed the inception of the U.S. National Men’s Singles Championship, an event that would later evolve into the renowned US Open. Hosted by the United States National Lawn Tennis Association, which was founded the same year, the inaugural championship took place at the Newport Casino in Newport, Rhode Island. Only clubs that were members of the U.S. National Lawn Tennis Association were permitted to enter, and Richard Sears emerged as the victor without losing a single set throughout the tournament. Sears would go on to dominate the early years of the championship, winning seven consecutive titles. This event not only marked the beginning of one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in tennis but also solidified the sport’s growing popularity and importance in the United States.
1900
The dawn of the 20th century brought with it a significant milestone in tennis history: the establishment of the Davis Cup. Inspired by the idea of an international tennis challenge, four members of the Harvard University tennis team wished to set up a match between the USA and Great Britain. Dwight F. Davis, one of the players, took the initiative and designed a tournament format that would allow countries to compete against each other. He also commissioned a sterling silver trophy, which came to be known as the Davis Cup. The inaugural event took place at the Longwood Cricket Club in Boston, Massachusetts, with the U.S. team emerging victorious over the British Isles. The Davis Cup has since grown to become one of the most prestigious team events in international tennis, fostering competition, camaraderie, and global unity through sport.
1926
The year 1926 was a watershed moment in tennis history, marking the emergence of professional tennis. Prior to this, tennis was strictly an amateur sport, with players competing for honor and trophies rather than monetary rewards. However, the landscape shifted when Suzanne Lenglen, a six-time Wimbledon champion and one of the game’s biggest stars, turned professional. Lenglen’s decision was groundbreaking; she signed a lucrative deal to tour the United States in a series of matches against Mary Browne, another top player. This move was a direct challenge to the strict amateur rules of the time and set the stage for the eventual establishment of the open era. Lenglen’s transition to professional status highlighted the growing tension between the amateur tennis establishment and players who believed they should be compensated for their skills and performances. The events of 1926 were a precursor to the seismic changes the sport would undergo in the following decades.
1968
A transformative year for tennis, 1968 heralded the beginning of the « Open Era, » a time when both amateur and professional players could compete in the same tournaments. Prior to this, only amateurs were allowed to participate in the major championships, while professionals were relegated to a separate circuit. The divide between the two had been a point of contention for years, with many arguing that the best players were being excluded from the most prestigious events.
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, which hosts Wimbledon, took a pioneering step by deciding to open its doors to professional players. This decision was soon followed by the other three Grand Slam tournaments. The first « Open » Grand Slam was the French Open in May 1968, and it was a resounding success.
The shift to the Open Era not only democratized the sport, allowing the best players, regardless of their status, to compete against each other, but it also paved the way for the growth of tennis as a global spectacle. With increased competition and the inclusion of professionals, prize money grew, television broadcasts expanded, and tennis’s popularity skyrocketed. The Open Era marked the beginning of modern professional tennis as we know it today.
1988
Tennis witnessed a monumental achievement in 1988, a feat that remains unparalleled in the annals of the sport. Steffi Graf, a prodigious talent from Germany, accomplished what is known as the « Golden Slam. » Over the course of the year, Graf not only won all four major Grand Slam tournaments – the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open – but she also clinched the Olympic gold medal in singles in Seoul.
Graf’s dominance on all surfaces, against all competitors, showcased her versatility, resilience, and unparalleled skill. Her accomplishment was a testament to her consistency and dominance in the world of tennis. The « Golden Slam » remains one of the most challenging feats in sports, and Graf’s 1988 season is often cited as one of the greatest achievements in tennis history. It solidified her legacy as one of the all-time greats and set a benchmark that has yet to be matched.
2000
The turn of the millennium marked a significant return for tennis to the Olympic stage. While tennis had been a part of the early modern Olympics, it was removed after the 1924 Paris Games due to disputes between the International Lawn Tennis Federation and the International Olympic Committee over the definition of amateur status. After a 64-year hiatus, tennis made a brief reappearance as a demonstration sport in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
However, it was in the 2000 Sydney Olympics that tennis truly re-established its Olympic presence. The games saw the introduction of professional players, allowing the world’s best to compete for Olympic glory. This inclusion added another layer of prestige to an already esteemed sport, offering players a unique opportunity to represent their countries in a global arena outside of the usual team competitions like the Davis Cup or Fed Cup.
The 2000 Sydney Olympics also witnessed memorable moments, such as Venus Williams winning the gold in women’s singles and then partnering with her sister, Serena Williams, to clinch the gold in doubles. This event solidified tennis’s place in the Olympics, ensuring its continued presence in the global sporting spectacle.
From its early days as « jeu de paume » to its current status as a global powerhouse, tennis has evolved and grown, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. These eight dates offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of tennis history.