A Brief History of Tennis, Squash, and Badminton

Introduction

Racket sports have evolved over centuries, shaped by different cultures and innovations. Tennis, squash, and badminton each have fascinating stories behind their rise to popularity. This article dives into the origins and development of these three sports, revealing how they’ve become global phenomena.

Tennis: From Royal Courts to Grand Slams

The roots of tennis can be traced back to 12th-century France, where monks played a handball game called "jeu de paume." Over time, rackets replaced hands and the game gained royal favor. The modern form of lawn tennis emerged in England in the 1870s.

Milestones in Tennis History

• 1877: First Wimbledon Championship held.
• 1926: First professional tennis tour organized.
• 1968: Open Era begins, allowing professionals to compete in Grand Slams.
• 2000s: Global expansion with major stars and televised tournaments.

Squash: A Game Born in English Prisons

Squash evolved from the game of rackets, which was played in London prisons in the early 19th century. Prisoners discovered that a punctured ball offered more variety, leading to the birth of squash at Harrow School in 1830.

Notable Moments in Squash

• 1830s: First squash courts built at Harrow School.
• 1907: First squash tournament held in the U.S.
• 1967: World Squash Federation founded.
• 2000s: Glass courts introduced for global broadcasting.

Badminton: From Battledore to Olympic Glory

Badminton traces its lineage to ancient games in India and China. The British formalized it in the 1800s, naming it after the Duke of Beaufort’s estate — Badminton House — where the sport was first played indoors.

Major Badminton Milestones

• 1873: Badminton introduced in England by British officers from India.
• 1934: International Badminton Federation formed.
• 1992: Badminton becomes an Olympic sport in Barcelona.
• Present: Dominated by Asian powerhouses like China, Indonesia, and Japan.