Tennis

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Tennis HistoryText Box:   Ball games were invented in ancient times. There were evidences that ball games related to tennis were first played in temples and monasteries. The first tennis racket was created when this sport was introduced to the general public. Initially, people played tennis using only leather gloves. A stick was later added to the gloove. It was the first tennis racket. Tennis balls were changed from wooden balls to balls made of leather stuffed with bran. This move had made the balls softer. Despite these ancient inventions, it was in France that this sport actually takes its shape. When tennis was introduced to France during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, it was a sport played by the kings and noblemen and was called Jeu de paumme - the game of the palm. At the start of the game, the players would normally shout tenez i.e. Play!. Therefore, it was known as Royal, or Real Tennis. Real Tennis was played indoor and it used a system of chases to decide on the winner of the game as well. This sport soon spread throughout Europe. In the 19th century, tennis was brought outdoor and it was known as lawn tennis, which was the tennis that we play today. During the same period, the material used for tennis balls was changed to vulcanized rubber as it was soft enough and would not damage the grass. With the increasing popularity of tennis, the first tennis tournament - Wimbledon Championship, started in 1977.