Interesting Facts About Tennis

 Tennis and all of the articles involving tennis have changed many times over the years.  During the late 1800's and early 1900's, men players wore long-sleeved shirts and trousers, and women wore ankle length dresses. Today clothing is much more relaxing and comfortable to wear.

There were only five people to win The Grand Slam.  Winning The Grand Slam means winning all four Grand Slams (the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the United States Open) in the same year.  The people to accomplish this feat were:  Don Budge in 1938, Maureen Connolly in 1953, Rod Laver in 1962 and 1969, Margaret Court in 1970, and Steffi Graf in 1988.

Yellow tennis balls were used at Wimbledon for the first time in 1986.

Billie Jean King was the first player in the Open era to win back-to-back US Opens (1971-1972).

The first man to win the US Open was Arthur Ashe.  He defeated Tom Okker 14-12, 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, in 1968.

The first woman to win the US Open was Virginia Wade.  She defeated Billie Jean King 6-4, 6-4.

Marcelo Rios won the US Open Boy's Singles Championship in 1983.

The first US National Championships for women were held in 1887 at the Philadelphia(PA) Cricket Club  

                                        

 

 

    Tennis Tips                                            

      -  Stretch before you play

    -  Keep your eye on the ball

    -  Bend your knees

    -  Make sure you have a high toss on your serves

    -  Follow through on all of your ground strokes

    -  If the ball is on the line -  it's in!

    -  In doubles, communicate with your partner

    -  If you play outside, wear sun block

    -  Remember the basics of the game and don't get frustrated

    -  Keep smiling -  It's just a game!