Who Invented the Tennis Racket?
While the origins of the game of tennis may be in dispute, it is generally agreed that the first wooden tennis racket appeared on the scene in the 1500s. The first modern metal tennis racket design is attributed to William A. Larned in 1922. Rene Lacoste is attributed as the creator of the first commercially viable metal racket (made of steel) in 1963.
Other People Are Reading
-
Ancient Beginnings?
-
While some historians think that the game of tennis originated with the ancient Egyptians, Romans or Greeks, there is little evidence to prove that this idea is true.
French Monks
-
French monks in the 12th century are normally credited with creating the sport we recognize today as tennis. The original game was played by batting the ball with either bare hands, gloved hands with webbing or small paddles.
-
Wooden Racket
-
A wooden racket, with strings made from sheep intestines, was introduced to the game of tennis around the year 1500.
Patent for Tennis Equipment
-
British Major Walter C. Wingfield received a patent for the equipment and rules of the game that we recognize as similar to modern tennis in 1874.
Metal Racket Invention
-
William A. Larned is credited with the development of a metal-framed tennis racket in 1922.
Commercially Viable Metal Racket
-
Rene Lacoste developed the first commercially viable metal-framed racket, for which he received a patent in 1963. This racket design was able to overcome the previous problem of successfully stringing a metal racket.
-
Resources
- Photo Credit http://publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=1761
