Royal Patronage in England and France
- Monarchs such as Henry VIII of England were avid players; Henry built a tennis court at Hampton Court Palace in the 16th century, which still exists.
- French kings also embraced jeu de paume, and it played a role in courtly life.
The Role in Social and Political Life
- Real tennis was a favored pastime among European elites, symbolizing status and refinement.
- It was sometimes used for political allegiances and social networking.
The Evolution to Lawn Tennis: From Courts to Grass
Decline of Real Tennis Popularity
- By the 18th and 19th centuries, real tennis was eclipsed by outdoor variants played on lawns.
- Lawn tennis, developed in the 1870s, was easier to access and played outdoors, increasing its popularity.
Transition and Influence
- Many lawn tennis rules and scoring systems were adapted from real tennis.
- The invention of standardized balls and racquets helped popularize the outdoor game. shutdown123