Global Sports Odyssey

Tennis - History and Origins
Over centuries, the game spread across Europe, especially among the aristocracy, with figures like King Henry VIII promoting the sport. The 19th century saw the birth of modern lawn tennis, pioneered by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield, which quickly gained popularity, leading to the establishment of Wimbledon in 1877. The episode covers the rise of professional tennis, the transition to the Open Era in 1968, and the sport’s cultural significance, particularly in advancing gender equality in sports. Tennis remains one of the most iconic and widely played sports globally, evolving with advances in technology and the influence of star players like Billie Jean King, Rod Laver, and others.