History

History of racket sports

Tennis: 

Tennis has origins dating back to medieval France in the 12th century with the game of “jeu de paume” (game of the palm), where players hit the ball with their hands. However, the modern form of tennis emerged in the late 19th century in England with the creation of formal rules. In 1874, Major Walter Clopton Wingfield patented a game called “Sphairistike,” considered the precursor to modern tennis. The sport grew rapidly and spread worldwide, becoming popular as both a recreational and competitive activity, with prestigious tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open establishing themselves as major events in the tennis calendar.

Padel:

Padel was created in the 1960s in Spain by Enrique Corcuera, who adapted tennis for a smaller space surrounded by walls. The sport quickly gained popularity in Spain and Latin America, and its practice expanded to other countries. The main characteristic of padel is the use of walls as part of the game, making it more dynamic and strategic. Today, padel is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, especially in Europe and South America, with international tournaments and a growing player base.

Squash:

Squash originated in the late 19th century in England as a variation of the “racquet” game, initially played in public schools. Originally, the sport was played in enclosed spaces with simple rules. The name “squash” comes from the characteristic sound the ball makes when it hits the wall. By the 1920s, squash began to gain global popularity, particularly in countries like Egypt, the United States, and Canada. Today, squash is played in international competitions, with the World Squash Championship being one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.