Hey Lykkers! You might think that tennis is just a sport that requires skill, fitness, and the right equipment, but what if I told you that tennis also has deep historical roots tied to royalty?

Tennis is known for its high barriers to entry—expensive gear, proper courts, and a high level of technical ability needed to play—but there's an even deeper reason for this, one that traces back to royal history.

Let's dive into the fascinating story behind how tennis became a sport of the elite.

The Birth of Tennis: A Royal Past

The origins of modern tennis date back to around the 12th century in France. It all began as a game called "jeu de paume" or “handball,” which was popular among the clergy. The game was initially played in chapel courtyards, with bishops and priests being its biggest enthusiasts. Soon, it spread among choir members and male students, becoming a hot trend. People started playing in town squares or castle walls.

The earliest written rules, known as the “Royal Esteem Tennis Regulations,” stated that participants (referred to as gentlemen) must play for “physical amusement and mental delight,” with a ban on cursing or using God's name in vain during matches.

The Rise of a Royal Sport

As the sport gained popularity, players started using gloves and eventually crafted rackets that resembled a guitar's strings. The game began to take shape into something resembling modern tennis. Soon, it was embraced by European royalty. Kings like Henry II, Charles I, and James II became fervent enthusiasts, sometimes playing as early as 5 or 6 in the morning.

However, the rise of tennis didn't come without restrictions. The French and English monarchies passed laws declaring that only the aristocracy could participate in this exciting new sport. While these measures were intended to keep the sport exclusive, they didn't always work.

Creating Barriers to Entry

Since restricting access didn't work, the royals decided to make tennis even harder to access for the general public. They raised the bar by increasing the costs and making it a sport only accessible to the elite:

• Expensive courts: Tennis courts were required to be indoor, sloped, and often very complex, with intricate sections and openings. Building one of these courts would cost around $10,000 today.

• Unique play style: Unlike the tennis we know today, the courts had walls and even ceilings, allowing players to bounce the ball off them, making the game more challenging and requiring players to be quicker and more creative.

• Complicated rules: The game had various rules to score, including using "windows" in the court. Additionally, a "chase" rule would kick in after the ball bounced twice.

• Exclusive equipment: The rackets and balls were handcrafted and controlled by special craftsmen, making them unavailable to the public. The balls were made from cork, string, and felt, which made them harder and faster than the tennis balls we use today.

The Birth of "Real Tennis"

This transformed version of the game was known as "real tennis," or “court tennis.” However, the high complexity of the rules and the specialized equipment limited its appeal. Even the nobles and royals began to play less frequently. As a result, professional tennis players emerged, forming their own guilds and receiving patronage from the royal courts.

For the aristocracy, tennis had transitioned from a sport of participation to an entertainment spectacle, where they would watch the games and place bets for fun.

Decline and the Rise of Modern Tennis

By the 17th century, “real tennis” had gained popularity among the nobility of France, Spain, Italy, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. However, with the rise of Napoleon's reign and the political instability in Europe, real tennis began to decline.

It wasn't until 1873, when Major Walter Clopton Wingfield and others created lawn tennis—played outdoors on grass courts—that the sport gained renewed popularity. This version simplified the rules, removing the complexity of the indoor courts and making the game more accessible. Wingfield introduced an all-in-one package, with rackets, balls, and other equipment available for sale, making tennis much easier to get into.

The Tennis We Know Today

With these changes, lawn tennis took off in England and quickly became one of the most popular sports in the country. By 1875, it was the go-to sport for many. While tennis has often been criticized for having a high barrier to entry, it has undeniably become one of the most exciting and thrilling sports to watch. The athleticism of top players, from their serves to their footwork and ability to react quickly, is a real spectacle.

Whether it's the intensity of a match or the diverse playing styles of competitors, tennis continues to captivate fans worldwide. So, if you're new to the sport, why not start by watching a match and seeing if tennis sparks your interest?

Join the Tennis Excitement!

So there you have it, Lykkers—tennis started as a sport of the royals, designed to keep it exclusive, but it has now evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. From its royal origins to the modern version we see today, tennis remains a sport full of excitement and prestige. If you're curious about tennis, maybe the best place to start is by watching a match and getting a feel for why so many people are drawn to it!

Let us know in the comments if you're a tennis fan or if you'd like to try it out yourself!