Tennis Book 2009 - TIA UK

The Sport of Tennis
Wimbledon in action. Picture AELTC.
o millions of people tennis is simply Wimbledon — that
TFortnight which dominates each year over the last week of
June and the first week of July. To millions it brings hours of
entertainment especially via their TV screens. Some are lucky
enough to have tickets to go and enjoy the unique atmosphere
but there are others who simply can’t understand what all the
fuss is about.
Wimbledon, or The Championships to use the event’s official
title, holds a unique place in the sport. It is the best tournament
in the world of tennis, in a sport which has wide appeal and is
played by thousands professionally and, more importantly, by
millions as a hobby. And amongst those millions, the game is
enjoyed by youngsters and oldsters alike for tennis is one of
the few sports which can be played virtually from ‘birth to the
grave’, by both ‘able and disabled’, or put another way, by
anyone who can hold a racket!
Tennis has history and it is worth noting, albeit briefly, how it
has evolved. The modern game originated in the United
Kingdom in the late 19th century but its roots go back even
further as it is a derivative of the more ancient game of Real
Tennis, or Court Tennis, as enjoyed by Henry VIII.
Originally Lawn Tennis was very much a social game and as
such, spread around the globe. Surprisingly perhaps, after a
few minor changes, the game remains virtually the same as the
one originally conceived and marketed by Major Walter Clopton
Wingfield in the 19th century.
Nowadays the sport itself has become a complex business and
is reflected by the number of professional tournaments which
are held around the world under the aegis of the ATP and WTA
tours, plus those run by the ITF and the various national
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governing bodies. In addition individual clubs are perceived to
be virtual community centres while promoting the sport and
servicing the needs of players within their own catchment areas.
The rules of the game are administered by the International
Tennis Federation (ITF) who govern all aspects of the sport
including the size of the courts and the equipment used. They
also oversee the international team events like the Davis Cup
and the Fed Cup, as well as tennis at the Olympics.
The rules of the game were finally formalised in 1924 and,
having undergone some minor changes over the subsequent
decades to take in changing views on foot faults, the size of
rackets and the tie-break, remain consistent with its original
heritage. These rules can be downloaded from the ITF website
(www.itftennis.com) as a 44 page PDF file. Alternatively they
can be purchased in booklet form from The ITF, Bank Lane,
Roehampton, London SW15 5XZ.
It should also be noted that the ITF publish a wide selection of
rule books for specific competitions, all designed to provide
guidance for officials, tournament organisers, players, coaches
and team captains.
The impressive building which houses the ITF in Roehampton.
Picture: Tennis Today