England is rightfully considered the birthplace of modern tennis. It was here that the rules of the game were developed and the first tournaments were held. An important factor for the development was also the suitable climate, many tennis courts, especially on grass. You can find out about all the features of the game, the possibilities of betting on such competitions on Bet365 tennis.
History
Competitions with rackets and a ball were known earlier, but in the second half of the nineteenth century, it was in England that they began to develop unified rules for this game. It all started with Walter Wingfried and the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
The tennis federation itself was founded in 1888, and it joined the international one in 1900. However, the first tournament in Wimbledon was held back in 1877. Here, rules close to modern ones were already used, and the competition itself is considered the oldest in the world.
English tournaments are the embodiment of traditions that originated at the dawn of the development of the variety. So, to this day, at the Wimbledon tournament, athletes are required to wear white clothes, and prizes to the winners are presented by royalty, often by reigning monarchs or their heirs.
Features of development
Traditions, development of rules and excellent grass courts are the main things that English tennis can be proud of. But the country has produced few real stars of this sport.
Among the most outstanding athletes, only two can be singled out:
- Fred Perry became the first Briton to win all the Grand Slam tournaments, that is, the Australian, French, US Open and Wimbledon.
- Andy Murray has won the Grand Slam tournaments three times: twice at Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016, and once at the US Open in 2012.
- Women do not have such achievements. Former colonies of England – Australia, and especially the USA, have significantly surpassed the British in this matter.
But at the same time, it is worth highlighting several important factors. The country has a huge number of grass courts. It is here that the tradition of playing on such a surface is preserved, in other countries the advantage is for clay or other types of hard courts. Tennis in the country is a mass hobby, people of all ages play it. In this parameter, England is among the world leaders. The important role of the English Tennis Federation is manifested in the discussion and approval of the rules of the game. Also from this country come many judges of the highest category, involved in servicing competitions all over the world.