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Tennis - Strand

Tennis can trace its origins to 12th-century French game called "paume" where players hit a ball over a net with the "palm" of their hand. The game evolved into "jeu de paume" (game of palm) and a racket was used instead.Photo of a tennis racket and ball

In 1873, Major Walter Wingfield invented "Sphairistikè" (Greek for "playing ball"), and was originally played on an hourglass-shaped court. This game eventually became known as tennis.

Two years later, the All England Croquet Club replaced one of its croquet courts with a lawn tennis court. The Marylebone Cricket Club followed suit and added several innovations to the game, including a rectangular court, deuce and advantage.

In 1877, the first World Tennis Championship was held at Worple Road in Wimbledon.

Download the rules of tennis from the International Tennis Federation.

Tennis prices

  • £2.70 for adults; £1.50 for juniors; £1.60 for seniors.
  • £1.80 for racquet hire; £1.80 for ball hire.

 

For more information contact us by telephone: 01634 333925 or by email: medwaypark@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Strand Leisure Pool and Park, Pier Approach Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 1TT

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