Tennis is a racket sport played by either two players (singles) or four players (doubles). The game can be played on various surfaces such as grass, clay, or hard courts, each affecting the ball's bounce and speed. The origins of tennis can be traced back to 12th century France, where it was known as Jeu de Paume, meaning "game of the palm," as it was initially played by hitting the ball with the hand.
The modern form of tennis began to take shape in the late 19th century. In 1873, Major Walter Clopton Wingfield patented a game called Sphairistike, which was an early version of lawn tennis. This game quickly gained popularity, leading to the establishment of the first official rules in 1874 by the Marylebone Cricket Club in England. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club hosted the first Wimbledon Championship in 1877, which is now the oldest tennis tournament in the world and one of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
The professional circuit is governed by the ATP Tour for men and the WTA Tour for women. These organizations manage the men's and women's professional tennis circuits, respectively. The four major tournaments, collectively known as the Grand Slam, are:
Tennis has a significant cultural impact, with its influence seen in fashion, fitness, and media. Iconic players like Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and Rafael Nadal have not only dominated the sport but have also become cultural icons. Tennis also features prominently in literature, film, and art, with events like Wimbledon drawing global attention.