What is the origin of tennis and how has it evolved over time?

Tennis is a popular racket sport played between two individuals or teams of two. It originated in the 12th century in France where it was called 'jeu de paume', which means 'game of the palm'. Initially, the game was played by hitting the ball with the hand, but later players started using gloves and then a paddle called a 'paume' to hit the ball.

The modern version of tennis was developed in England in the late 19th century, and the game was played on grass courts. Major Walter Clopton Wingfield is credited with inventing the modern version of tennis, and he patented the game in 1874 under the name of 'Sphairistike'.

Since then, tennis has evolved in various ways. The first Wimbledon championship was held in 1877, and it has been one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world ever since. The game also became more accessible to the general public, with more clubs and courts being built around the world. The introduction of new materials, such as graphite and composite, led to the development of lightweight, high-performance rackets, which has had a significant impact on the way the game is played.

Today, tennis is a global sport with millions of players and fans around the world. It has become more fast-paced and aggressive, with players hitting the ball harder and faster than ever before. In addition to traditional grass courts, the game is now played on clay and hard courts, and there are many professional tournaments held throughout the year.