Every year on the first Monday in March, World Tennis Day seeks to increase tennis participation around the world. It’s also a day to learn more about influential tennis players throughout history.
The origins of tennis go all the way back to the 12th century. During this time, European monks had developed a handball game called “paume.” Later, instead of hitting the ball with the hand, leather gloves were used. These gloves eventually evolved into racquets.
Between the 16th and 18th centuries, the game became popular with kings and noblemen. In the 1530s, King Henry VIII built a tennis court at Hampton Court Palace. Over 300 years later, the United States held its first lawn tennis tournament. Since then, the game has steadily increased in popularity. Today, tennis ranks as the fourth most popular sport in the world.
Some of the world’s most influential tennis players include:
- Billie Jean King – She is considered the pioneer and godmother of women’s tennis.
- Arthur Ashe – He was the first black tennis player selected to the U.S. Davis Cup team.
- Chris Evert – She competed in the semi-finals of the U.S. Open at just 16 years of age.
- John McEnroe – He is one of the most high-profile tennis players in the world.
- Venus and Serena Williams – These sisters have won 57 Grand Slam trophies and 8 Olympic Gold medals.
The International Tennis Federation (ITL) organized the first World Tennis Day on March 4th, 2013. About 60 countries participated in the event. The event coincided with a one-night tennis exhibition that took place in Madison Square Garden from 2008 through 2017. The event kicked off the tennis season in North America. During this same timeframe, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) held tennis clinics across the country. Even though the one-night tennis exhibition no longer takes place, World Tennis Day is still celebrated in 90 countries around the world.
Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com
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