First Serves: The 16th Century origins of Tennis

Ever wondered what tennis and playground handball games have in common?

 

Well it’s more than you think. Before becoming the internationally beloved game and the highly televised sport it is today, tennis was a very different game and a hit in the European royal courts. 

Penny Roberts, Professor of Early Modern European History at the University of Warwick joined Wednesday Drive to discuss the evolution of the game since its dangerous early games in the 16th century. 

Image: Tennis courts in reserve, Centennial Park Dated: August 1915. This is part of the State Records NSW Centenary of ANZAC digital gallery and exhibition.