No better sport to watch or play!

‘Tennis’, from tenez, meaning ‘take heed’ (a warning from the server to the receiver), was first played by monks in twelfth-century France. In time, racquets replaced gloves and the use of hands to hit the ball, and the sport had become popular and widely established in Europe by the sixteenth century.

Tennis joined polo, golf and bowls as a ‘sport of kings’ in the 1530s, when the young King Henry VIII (1509-47) of England had several courts constructed and began playing regularly (and ferociously), especially at Hampton.

It was not until the late eighteenth century, however, that tennis was first played on an open court; formerly, all games of tennis took place indoors or were otherwise enclosed so that the ball could be played off the wall. While Birmingham sportsmen and socialites Harry Gem (lawyer, writer) and Augurio Perera (Spanish merchant) between 1859 and 1865 invented the game as we know it, it was Major Walter Clopton Wingfield who designed and patented a variation of the game and through his extensive social and political connections popularised the sport worldwide.

The Wimbledon championships, first held in 1877, and the precursors to US Open held only a few years later, galvanised the sport; a consolidated and comprehensive body of rules was required. These were developed and promulgated by the International [Lawn] Tennis Federation (ITF) in 1924.

Tennis today is one of the most widely-covered and most watched sports worldwide. While there are a number of famous national and international championships, such as the Davis Cup for instance, the Wimbledon championship (grass court, June/July), US Open (hard court, August/September), French Open (clay court, May/June) and Australian Open (hard court, January) remain the most prestigious; those who win at these four ‘Majors’ or ‘Slams’ all within the same year are said to have won a ‘Grand Slam’.

In Australia, the sport is represented by Tennis Australia, with each state and territory having its own representing body. Together, these sporting associations have done much to advance the sport of tennis in Australia, such that tennis is now the third most widely-participated sport in the country (ninth most attended), well above cricket, AFL, NRL and football. Private tennis clubs too play a strong role in furthering the sport. Foremost among these is the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in Melbourne, which was established in 1892 and has in recent years enjoyed spectacular refurbishment.

Of course, one does not need to join a club to play tennis! Many clubs allow for guest entry. Most hotels and resorts often have their own tennis courts, as do private country and recreational clubs. Those who can afford the luxury and have the space will quite often add a tennis court to the backyard; being one Australia’s favourite pastimes, the addition of a tennis court can add enormously to the value of your home, depending on your location. The joy and convenience of playing in your backyard with family and friends or a spring or summer’s day is surpassing.

When it comes to buying racquets and tennis equipment, you’re quite often spoiled for choice. Prince®, Wilson®, Yonex® and Head® are the most popular brands, but of course there are others. Be aware that more than just racquets and a ball are required if you want to make the most of the game.

Sweatbands are essential, as is wearing the right apparel. Good tennis apparel is usually made from synthetic materials, but cotton may also be preferred. There are also a wide range tennis shoes and bags on offer, if you’re serious about playing. Be aware too that your racquet will need re-gripping and re-stringing from time to time. Your local tennis shop can help in this regard, or just return to the place where you purchased your tennis racquet.

If you’re looking for quality service and great advice, you can’t beat shopping in-store. But if you know what you’re after, you’ve played tennis before and you’re looking for the best deal on a new racquet or apparel, your best move is to shop online.

Tennis is a lot of fun to watch and play! Whether you love the court-side atmosphere or the adrenaline of the volley, tennis is sure to take a special place in your life and provide a lot of enjoyment.