Tennis' Inventor

The history of tennis tells us that the game of tennis that we know today originated from Major Walter Wingfield who invented a game called Sphairistikè (Sphairistikè means playing ball in Greek) that was based on a 12th Century French game called Paume. In its original form, tennis looked a lot more like our handball game of today. This history of the racquet also has the same roots. The rackets were introduced at one of Major Wingfield's games. This unique piece of equipment stuck and became an integral part of modern day tennis.

Who is Owen Davidson

Owen Davidson is an important figure in the history of tennis. An Australian born tennis pro, he was a mixed doubles player who completed the Mixed Doubles Grand Slam in 1967 with Billie Jean King. He won ten major mixed doubles championships in all including the 1967 Australian open; 1967 French Open (Roland Garros); Wimbledon Championships in 1967, 1971, 1973-74; and the US Open in 1966, 1967, 1971, 1973. Davidson also won an additional two men's doubles championships, the 1972 Australian Open and the 1973 US Open. His career spanned 15 years during which he was a member of Australia's Davis Cup team from 1962 to 1967 and he acted as the Head Pro at the All England Lawn Tennis Club from 1967 through 1971.

Today's Tennis

True, tennis history is amazing. However, today's tennis has never been more exciting! Men and women touring professionals bring a very exciting brand of power and finesse tennis to the delight of millions of fans worldwide!

Tennis' Revolution

Tennis history will never be complete without a mention of Bobby Riggs & Billie Jean King. Their match not only helped with women's equality, but also created the kind of wild popularity tennis enjoyed in the 70's and early 80's.

Long Live the French

In 1927, The Four Musketeers, led by Rene Lacoste, of Crocodile shirt fame later, won the Davis Cup. Though not documented in tennis history, the French appear to have been playing tennis as early as the 1600's. They called it "Jeu de Paume." (Palm play_)