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In light of The Wimbledon Championships fast approaching, this is a brief insight into the world of tennis and the British tournament.
17 June 2014
| Last updated on 8 January 2018
Broadcasted on UK national television in 1937, it has become the fourth most popular sport worldwide, it is undoubtedly a favourite in the sporting world. For example last year, over seventeen and a half million viewers tuned in to the BBC to watch Andy Murray seize the men’s title after seventy-seven unsuccessful years for Britain at Wimbledon. And despite her retirement soon after winning, twenty-eight year old Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli won the 2013 Ladies’ Singles title; her dream since the age of six.
Of course, there is a significant difference between watching and enjoying the Grand Slam on television and actually participating in a game of your own. The energetic game of tennis demands a myriad of skills that can be transferable to everyday situations, whilst maintaining a high level of fitness that helps to reduce health risks. It appeals to a large demographic as it can be played at varied intensities depending on physical ability and thus not restricted by age. The benefits of tennis can be seen in physical attributes gained through its practice, such as increased hand eye coordination, but also a psychological gain.
Research has proven that those who play tennis more than three times a week are likely to experience positive emotional perks, including stress relief and boosted self-esteem. Playing with friends and family encourages participation, as it becomes a sociable pastime. Tennis first began as a social activity for women at the start of the twentieth century and has since grown to become the competitive game that is followed by so many today.
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Over the past twelve years the popularity of tennis has grown considerably with the presence of players such as the recognisable American sisters, Serena and Venus Williams, Russian Maria Sharapova and Romanian Simona Halep. And on the men’s side, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have become household names. The top ten players, male and female, originate from ten different countries conveying how global tennis has become. Andy Murray has risen as a national star for Britain and Scotland, and has become a contender among these tennis legends. The standard of players increases invariably, resulting in an evolution of the sport that keeps watchers engaged by varying shots and skills. The fierce competition between these talented athletes creates suspense and excitement at every tournament that runs throughout the year.
The annual cycle of Majors - the US Open, the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon - provide continuous coverage of the entertainment for its followers.
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There are innumerable factors that make tennis such an exciting and an enjoyable sport for so many. The adored faces of the game continue to promote it globally through their captivating prowess on court and act as role models for their countries. Tennis has an ability to be a sport “for a lifetime”, allowing a vast percentage of the global population to play and follow the sport, creating an immense fan base. Wimbledon has been one of the major tournaments for centuries and each year spins out unpredictable and interesting outcomes.
Written by Holly Thomas
