Tennis History
Learn more about the rich history of tennis
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum boasts a rich collection of over 40,000 items, tracing the evolution of lawn tennis from a leisurely activity to the esteemed global event known as The Championships. Established in the 1970s, the museum’s assortment has grown to encompass a diverse array of artefacts. This includes a book from around 1555 detailing the tennis game, right up to the balls from the 2014 Gentlemen’s Singles final. Additionally, the collection features unique tennis-inspired items, such as novelty toys and decorative teapots.
Arthur Ashe at UCLA
The “Purpose Served: An Oral History of the Exemplary Life of Arthur Ashe, 1943-1993” is an oral history series sponsored by the Arthur Ashe Legacy. This collection gathers stories from individuals closely connected to Ashe, such as his colleagues, family, and friends. While the series explores notable progressions in tennis during Ashe’s era, it also highlights significant historical events that occurred alongside his life. These encompass the Civil Rights and Women’s Movements, the Vietnam War, the end of apartheid in South Africa, and the AIDS/HIV crisis. The project was showcased at the Oral History Association’s annual conference in Los Angeles, reflecting its theme of human perseverance. In recognition of his contributions both on and off the tennis court, the USTA named the U.S. Open stadium court after Ashe. Throughout his life, Ashe was not only celebrated for his tennis achievements but also for his commitment to justice.
Tennis at the Olympics
Tennis made its Olympic debut at the Athens Games in 1896, marking the inception of the modern Olympic movement. However, it faced a hiatus after the 1924 Paris Games and did not reappear until the 1988 Seoul Olympics. This absence was attributed to disputes between the International Tennis Federation and the International Olympic Committee regarding amateurism, as professional players were not permitted to compete.
The reintroduction of tennis in 1988 brought with it notable changes. Professionals were now allowed to participate, leading to a significant boost in the sport’s profile at the Games.
Who will take home the gold at Paris 2024?
