Group 1 Lawn tennis

1. Brief and History

A. Lawn tennis, also known as simply tennis, was not discovered by a single individual. Its origins can
be traced back to various forms of ball and racket games played in different cultures throughout
history. However, the modern game of tennis, as we know it today, was developed in the 19th century
by several individuals in different parts of the world.

Major contributions to the development of tennis came from Harry Gem and Augurio Perera in
England in the 1870s. They laid down the basic rules and organized the first tennis club in Leamington
Spa. This early version of the game was known as "lawn tennis" due to its origins on grass courts.

All England Croquet Club at Wimbledon popularized and standardized the rules of lawn tennis. They
held the first official Wimbledon Championships in 1877, which marked a significant milestone in the
history of the sport. The tournament continues to be one of the most prestigious and oldest tennis
tournaments worldwide.

B. Lawn tennis is believed to have originated in the late 19th century in England. As the sport gained
popularity, it gradually spread to other countries through various means. One significant avenue for its
introduction was through international exhibitions and tournaments.

The first international tennis tournament outside of England was organized in 1891 when the U.S.
National Championships, now the US Open, were established in Newport, Rhode Island. This further
expanded the reach and popularity of the sport beyond the British Isles.

The formation of national tennis associations in various countries also played a significant role in
furthering the sport's global expansion. These associations facilitated the development of local
tournaments, leagues, and infrastructure, encouraging more people to participate in and embrace the
sport.

The inclusion of lawn tennis in the Olympic Games came in 1896. Tennis was a part of the Summer
Olympics program until 1924 when it was removed due to various reasons, including controversies
and conflicts between amateur and professional players. However, after a long gap, tennis reappeared
as an Olympic sport in 1988 and has been a regular fixture ever since.

In recent times, advancements in technology, broadcasting, and increased travel opportunities have
further accelerated the globalization of lawn tennis. The sport is now widely played and followed
across the globe, with numerous international tournaments taking place each year.

Overall, the introduction of lawn tennis to other countries and its inclusion in the Olympics can be
attributed to a combination of international competitions, exhibitions, the efforts of British players and
enthusiasts, the establishment of national tennis associations, and increased global awareness and
interest in the sport.

C. Lawn tennis, now commonly referred to as just tennis, is organized and governed internationally by
the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The ITF is responsible for setting and enforcing the rules
and regulations of the sport, as well as organizing international tournaments and maintaining the
official rankings of professional tennis players.

At the national level, tennis is typically organized by national governing bodies such as the United
States Tennis Association (USTA) in the United States, Tennis Australia in Australia, the Lawn Tennis
Association (LTA) in the United Kingdom, and Tennis Canada in Canada. These organizations
oversee domestic tournaments, coaching programs, player development, and other aspects of the sport
within their respective countries.
Additionally, there are several professional tennis associations that organize and oversee professional
tournaments. The most prominent among them are the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for
men's tennis and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) for women's tennis. These associations
manage the schedules, rankings, and rules specific to professional players.

Overall, the organization and administration of tennis involve international bodies like the ITF,
national governing bodies, professional associations such as the ATP and WTA, and local clubs and
organizations that support the promotion and development of the sport.