The History and Evolution of Tennis

Tennis traces back to 12th-century France, originally played with the palm. It was called 'jeu de paume', meaning 'game of the palm', evolving to use rackets by the 16th century, becoming 'real tennis'.

By the Renaissance, tennis had become a favorite pastime of European royalty. Henry VIII of England was an avid player who had a court at Hampton Court Palace, which still stands today.

The name 'tennis' likely comes from the French word 'tenez', which players shouted to serve notice. It meant 'take heed' - a precursor to the modern service announcement.

Modern tennis, or lawn tennis, was patented in 1874 by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield. He marketed it as a leisure activity for British society, standardizing equipment and rules.

The Wimbledon Championships, the oldest tennis tournament, began in 1877. It was held at the All England Club in London and was originally a fundraiser for a new roller.

Tennis balls were originally white or black. The switch to optic yellow was made in 1972 following research that showed these were more visible on color TV broadcasts.

Tennis scoring is unique with its 15, 30, 40 sequence. One theory suggests it's based on the face of a clock, with each point moving the minute hand a quarter round from the top.

In 1973, astronaut Alan Shepard made history by playing the first tennis-like game on the moon using a makeshift racket and a moon rock.