Evolution of Tennis: The modern game that tennis has become today is very different from where it originally started. It has a truly fascinating history that goes back over centuries, which has led to its evolution into the beloved sport it has become today, and has continuously adapted to the changing worlds of which it has been a part.
What was Jeu de Paume?
In the 12th Century France, the ancestral version of tennis was played by monks, and it was known as “Jeu de Paume“. It used to be played with bare hands when it first came into existence, and eventually it moved to gloves and then rudimentary rackets, which somewhat resemble the present-day tennis rackets.
Jeu de Paume quietly laid down the foundation for the present-day tennis in monasteries and palaces. It was also referred to as real tennis or court tennis. The monks used to play the game as a meditative pastime, and with time, around the 17th century, it became a very popular game amongst the royals who embraced it as a symbol of refinement and made it a part of the elite culture.
Though the rules of the game were different, the essence was the same, which was returning the ball over an existing obstacle. It was played in grand halls by kings, courtiers, and aristocrats in their robes and silks, and they used the game as a means to show their grace and power.
Transition to Lawn Tennis
With time, Jeu de Paume gradually started to evolve, and its popularity shifted as it made its way outdoors and came to be known as lawn tennis, which was equally embraced by the world. This was formalized in the 19th century.
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The accessibility of lawn tennis helped it gain significant popularity. Over time, certain rules came into being with respect to the scoring, service, and rallies. This became the major thing that distinguished it from the indoor, wall-based game of Jeu de Paume.
Modern Competitive Tennis and Grand Slams
In the year 1877, the first Wimbledon tournament was held, and it marked the beginning of modern competitive tennis. Over time, other tournaments like the U.S. Open, French Open, and Australian Open got established and came to be known as the “Grand Slam” events.
Tennis has now become a global sport and is played on different types of surfaces, such as grass, clay, and hard courts, at Wimbledon, Roland Garros, and in the U.S. and Australia, respectively.
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Jeu de Paume is still played today, but in a select 50 dedicated courts globally in France, the UK, the US, and Australia. It has come a long way from where it began as a game played in pastime with bare hands to the present day, where it is played at international Grand Slam tournaments.
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