The Origin of Tennis
Initially named 'jeu de paume' ('game of the palm'), tennis dates back to 12th-century France, where players hit the ball with their hands. It wasn't until the 16th century that rackets came into use.
Tennis Scoring System
Tennis scores aren't counted like most sports. They go from Love (zero), to 15, 30, then 40. Scoring theories suggest a connection to the face of a clock or the quarters of an hour.
Grass, Clay, Hard Courts
Tennis is played on different surfaces, each affecting the ball's speed and play style. Grass courts favor serve-and-volley players, while clay courts benefit baseline players with longer rallies.
The Longest Match Ever
The longest recorded tennis match took place at Wimbledon 2010, lasting over 11 hours across three days. John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut in a marathon final set ending at 70-68.
The Grand Slam
A player achieves a Grand Slam by winning all four major tournaments in a single calendar year. The majors are the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
Technology in Tennis
Advanced tech has revolutionized tennis. Hawk-Eye technology, introduced in 2002, allows for precise tracking of the ball, enhancing the accuracy of line calls and reducing player disputes.
Unique Tennis Traditions
Wimbledon enforces a strict all-white dress code. Players must wear predominantly white clothing, a tradition dating back to the 1800s, intended to avoid unsightly sweat marks.
What was tennis originally called?
Jeu de volley
Jeu de paume
Palm game
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