Over the years, tennis has evolved from a simple court sport to a global phenomenon – but it hasn't always been the game we know today. Let's take a look back through history to explore the origins of the sport, the courts, and the champions...

'Jeu de paume' (game of palm) originated in 12th-century France. Hence the name, players would use their hands to hit the ball. By the 16th century the game evolved to include racquets, often made out of wood with strings made of cow intestine!

The 19th century transformed tennis onto grass courts and Wimbledon emerged as the first grand tournament, setting the standard for a new era of competitions. This postcard from 1877 shows the beginnings of the event as a mass spectator sport, reminiscent of the games we love to watch today.

Founded in 1907, this pioneering publication ignited tennis enthusiasm across the US. It provided coverage, rules, and fashion, shaping the sport's culture for years to come.

With the early 20th century witnessing the rise of tennis as a global sport, legends like Suzanne Lenglen and Bill Tilden captivated audiences with their skill and charisma. In 1956, Althea Gibson became the first African American to win a Grand Slam event!

1968 marked the start of a new chapter of tennis as amateur and professional players were allowed to compete together for the first time in history, with Arthur Ashe taking home the US Open title.

Put simply tennis is a sport that involves hitting a ball over a net – but the reality of tennis is a little more complex. It's a game of angles and athleticism, power, and grace... and some strange rules.

How much do you know about the history and evolution of tennis? Put your knowledge to the test and see if you can answer these questions...

Did you know one of the earliest forms of tennis had players using the palm of their hands rather than a racket? The fundamentals remained the same, but players probably didn't hit the ball as hard as they do today! But where was this early incarnation of the game first developed?

The game is thought to have originated in French monasteries towards the end of the 12th century. Some of the game's terminology remains in French to this day (deuce!).

One of the modern game's other predecessors was called Real (or 'Royal) Tennis. The court included a viewing gallery and sloped roofs that were part of the playing surface. But where is the world's oldest 'Real Tennis' court located?

Falkland Palace is home to the oldest real tennis court in the world. It has been in existence since 1593!

There are four Grand Slam tennis tournaments in the world played each year, as well as multiple other smaller ranking events. But which is the oldest tennis tournament still being played?

Also known as The Championships, Wimbledon has been played almost every year at the All England Club since the inaugural event in 1877.

Tennis is one of the few global sports where the men's and women's game is equally as popular and gains the same media attention. But this was not always reflected in the rewards for players. Which was the first Grand Slam event to offer equal prize money for men and women?

The US Open offered equal prize money in 1973, the Australian Open in 1984, the French Open in 2006, and finally Wimbledon committed to equal pay in 2007.

With some tennis matches being played to the best of five sets, games that are evenly matched can last hours. But how long did the longest tennis match ever played officially last?

John Isner of the United States defeated France's Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010. The match was played over three days, lasting so long it was suspended because of bad light for two nights in a row. Isner won the epic fifth and final set 70-68.