Tennis is a spectacular game that includes two opposing players (or two pairs of players) who use rackets to hit a ball over a net. Originally called lawn tennis, this sport is currently played on different surfaces. In the 12th century, the first type of tennis appeared in France. It was basically a variant of handball called jeu de paume, which was soon renamed into real tennis. In fact, many still call this real tennis in Britain even today.
Tennis Today
Modern tennis is much different from its first versions. Nowadays, this game is played by millions of people on public courts, in clubs, in championships, etc. Fans sit in front of their TVs watching every match eagerly, or place their wagers at a sportsbook in a Dutch online casino to try their luck. Not only is tennis a popular past time and something people watch for enjoyment, but thanks to online casinos, it is also a means of earning some extra cash.
Nowadays, if you place your wagers at an online casino Belgium, you’ll have access to amazing odds and plenty of betting options. From picking the total score to gambling on a selected player, there are tons you can do to win money while enjoying your favorite sport.
A Bit of History
The game of tennis has changed tremendously over the years. For example, the balls used in this game had been white in the beginning, but now they often combine several hues. They used to be wooden, and racket frames came into the picture in the 16th centuries. In the past, they were constructed of laminated wood and had a standard size. Today, you can find them in many shapes, sizes, and even materials.
One of the most important changes in the history of this sport was the introduction of rubber balls that bounce on glass. This happened thanks to Wingfield in 1874, and was first introduced officially at the Wimbledon Tournament in 1877.
What started as a game played on grass swiftly moved to a game played on varied surfaces including hardwood floors, clay floors, and acrylic and concrete surfaces. In 1884, women started competing in this sport at Wimbledon for the very first time. Charlotte Cooper won the first Wimbledon title at the age of 23 in 1895, dressed in a long-sleeved outfit with a hat and a corset.
Soon after, the game was becoming more and more popular all over the world. In 1924, tennis was removed from the Olympic programme due to a dispute between the International Olympic Committee and the International Lawn Tennis Federation.
For a long time, the game was absent from the Olympics, but this doesn’t mean that people stopped playing it. In fact, some of the biggest developments in the sport occurred during this period, such as the ‘’Grand Slam’’ concept in the 1930s. This concept means winning four huge tournaments: the Wimbledon, the US Open, the Australian Open, and the French Open.
The biggest accomplishment of this period happened in 1968, when tennis became a professional sport. In that same year, the game was back at the Olympics in Mexico City, followed by Los Angeles in 1984. Today, it’s one of the most watched, valued, and played sports in the world, with amazing names like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal impressing the fans with their skills!
No one can say how this game will change and progress in the future but one thing is sure – tennis is here to stay!
