Tennis : The S port, Its
Origins , R ules , and
L egends
Unraveling the history, mastering the game, and celebrating its icons.
Chapter 1
The Genes is of Tennis
F rom Medieval F rance to Modern Courts
Tennis evolved from "jeu de paume," a 12th-
century French game played indoors with
bare hands.
• Originally played in cloisters and courtyards.
• Rackets introduced in the 16th century.
Chapter 2
Decoding the Game
1 2 3
Court & Players S coring S ys tem S erving E s s entials
Singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2) on • Points: Love (0), 15, 30, 40, Players serve alternately.
a rectangular court divided by a Game.
• Legal serve: Must land in
net. • Deuce (40-40): Win by two
• Court dimensions: 78 feet diagonal service box.
long, 27 feet wide (singles), 36 consecutive points.
• Fault: Serve outside the
feet wide (doubles). • Set: First to 6 games, with a service box.
• Net height: 3 feet 6 inches at 2-game margin. Tie-break at
• Double Fault: Two
posts, 3 feet at center. 6-6.
consecutive faults result in
loss of point.
Chapter 3
Mas tering the Craft
K ey S trokes Tactic al Play
Forehand, backhand, serve, volley, overhead Shot placement, spin, speed variation, court positioning.
smash.
Phys ical Demands F ootwork & Timing
Speed, endurance, balance, mental focus. Critical for effective shot execution and rally control.
Developing these skills requires consistent practice and strategic thinking.
Chapter 4
The Tools of the Trade
Es s ential Equipment
Racket: Max 73.7 cm length, 31.7 cm width; nylon strings.
Tennis Balls: Yellow or white, 56-59.4
grams, 6.54-6.86 cm diameter (yellow
introduced in 1972 for visibility).
Playing F acilities
Courts: Grass, clay, hard (e.g., Plexicushion),
artificial surfaces.
Accessories: Nets, umpire chairs,
marked lines for singles/doubles.
Chapter 5
Legends & Milestones
Icons of the Grand Slam Historic Moments
Court Tournaments
• Rod Laver, • Australian Open • Longest Match:
Martina • French Open Isner vs. Mahut
Navratilova (Roland Garros) (11h 5m, 2010
Wimbledon)
• Wimbledon
• Serena Williams, • Fastest Serve:
• US Open
Roger Federer ~163.7 mph
• Rafael Nadal, • Olympic Tennis:
Novak Djokovic Reinstated in
1988
Chapter 6
Beyond the Baseline: Fun Facts
Hand-Played Origins Wimbledon's Strict Dress Code
Originally played with bare hands until rackets were All-white attire, including undergarments and shoes, is
introduced in the 16th century. strictly enforced.
Longest Rally Yellow Balls Rule
Nearly 30 minutes, 643 shots exchanged (1984 French Tennis balls were white until 1972, when yellow balls
Open). were introduced for better TV visibility.