Grand Slam Tournaments

Tennis is a sport of speed, accuracy and great arm strength. Personally one of my favorites, tennis has become a popular sport to not only watch, but play as a hobby or a profession. Tennis originated between 1859 and 1863 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Major Harry Gem and his friend Augurio Perera were the first to play the original form of the game, over time the sport morphed into the form of tennis that we are all familiar with; modern tennis. In December 1873 Major Walter Clopton Wingfield designed “Sphairistike” which was very similar to tennis and became known as “sticky” for the amusement of his guest that visited his garden parties. Men and Women would get together in their gowns and suits and fancy hats to play on his estate in Llanelidan, Wales. As tennis was becoming well known around Europe some of the best tournaments were developed around the world shortly after; also known as The Four Grand Slam tournaments. Wimbledon was the first of the four and was introduced in 1877. It is still known as the most prestigious tournament in tennis, as well as the oldest. This tournament still carries tradition to this day for it is the only match out of the four that’s still played on the game’s original surface.

Some other Wimbledon traditions include the eating of strawberries and cream, drinking Pimms Spritzers, royal pantronage, and a strict dress code for competitors. National tournaments eventually entered American soil in 1880 in New York. An Englishman named O.E Woodhouse won the singles match and a doubles match was won by a local team. Shortly after, the remainder of the four tournaments sprung up from the grounds in the U.S and France, as well as Australia. The U.S National Men’s Singles Championships (known today as the U.S Open) was first played in 1881 held in Newport, Rhode Island. Six years later the National Women’s Singles Championships were played. France jumped on the bandwagon and held the French Open in 1891. The French Open is held over a two week period between May and early June in Paris, France. It is hosted at the Stade Roland Garros which is the only Grand Slam still played on a clay court. In 1905 The Australian Open emerged, and now takes place each January at Melbourne Park, Australia. It was the only tournament held on grass from then up to 1987 before it switched to Hard courts. To win one of these championships is a true honor.