Who Invented Tennis? A Journey Through the Sport’s History

Tennis as we know it is the product of centuries of evolution. From monastery courtyards in medieval France to the manicured lawns of Wimbledon, the game’s journey is rich with cultural and technological change. This article traces tennis from its earliest forms to key milestones that shaped the modern sport.

Early Origins: Jeu de Paume

Tennis’s roots can be traced to jeu de paume (game of the palm), a handball game played by French monks in the 12th century. Players struck a ball with the palm of their hand across a rope or net. As the game grew, players began using leather gloves, then simple paddles, and eventually strung racquets.

The shout “tenez!”—French for “take this!”—was used to warn an opponent before serving. Historians believe this call evolved into the English word “tennis”.

The Unique Scoring System

Medieval French courts used clock faces to keep score, moving the hand to 15, 30 and 45 minutes to mark points. Eventually 45 became 40 to allow for a two‑point margin at deuce. This clock‑face origin explains why tennis uses “15‑30‑40” rather than 1‑2‑3.

Royal Patronage

By the 16th century, tennis had gained popularity among European nobility. King Henry VIII of England built a real tennis court at Hampton Court Palace, which still exists today. The sport’s association with royalty lent it prestige and helped standardise rules.

Invention of Lawn Tennis

Modern lawn tennis was created in 1873 by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield, a British army officer. Wingfield patented a game called Sphairistike (Greek for “ball game”) designed to be played on grass courts. His portable kit included racquets, balls and a net, making the game accessible to the upper classes and sparking widespread interest.

Organised Tournaments and Global Expansion

Several key milestones followed:

• 1877: The first Wimbledon Championships were held at the All England Club in London.
• 1881: The U.S. National Championships (now the U.S. Open) were inaugurated.
• 1896: Tennis was included in the first modern Olympic Games in Athens.
• 1897: The French Championships admitted women competitors.
• 1968: The Open Era began, allowing professionals to compete with amateurs; prize money and worldwide tours transformed the sport.

Technology and Modernisation

Over the 20th and 21st centuries, tennis evolved dramatically: racquets transitioned from wood to metal and composite materials; tennis balls became standardised; and courts moved from exclusively grass to include clay and hard courts. The professional tours (ATP and WTA) were established, global media coverage grew and training became highly scientific.

Conclusion

Tennis’s journey from medieval French monasteries to worldwide stadiums reflects a blend of tradition and innovation. From the shout of “tenez!” to Wingfield’s lawn tennis kit, the sport has continuously evolved. By appreciating its history, players and fans can better understand the unique scoring system, court etiquette and deep cultural roots that make tennis a beloved global pastime.