Tennis
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
'' is a popular racquet sport played by either individual opponents (singles) or teams of two players (doubles). Players hit a felt-covered rubber ball across a net, aiming it in such a way as to make the ball difficult for the opponent to successfully return. Tennis tournaments can be large events, drawing visitors from around the globe and offering lucrative prize packages. (In 2024, the Wimbledon tournament in London offered a prize package of more than £50 million.)
HistoryTennis is thought to have been invented in France in the 12th century, but was originally played by hitting the ball with an open hand.
Rules of playThe court is a rectangle separated by a net. Any type surface might be playable, but the most common are:
EventsTennis aficianados will travel the world to see their favorite tennis tournament.
Recreational tennisTennis is a hugely popular recreational sport around the world.S. Tennis Association estimated that more than 22 million people played tennis recreationally.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Tennis" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Tim Henman backhand volley Wimbledon 2004.jpg, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons