Royal tennis, also known as real tennis, is a sport that originated in medieval France. The word "royal" is spelled /ˈrɔɪəl/, with the first syllable stressed and the second syllable containing a diphthong. The "o" and "y" create the /ɔɪ/ sound, similar to the word "coin". The word "tennis" is spelled /ˈtɛnɪs/, with stress on the first syllable and the final "s" pronounced as a voiceless consonant. In contrast to modern tennis, royal tennis is played indoors on a specially-designed court with unique rules and equipment.
Royal Tennis, also known as Real Tennis or Court Tennis, is a game played with a racquet and a ball in an indoor court. The sport originated in medieval times and was traditionally played by the nobility, including kings and queens, hence the name Royal Tennis.
The game is played on a uniquely shaped court with various walls, galleries, and openings. The objective is to hit the ball against the walls and pass it through openings to score points. Unlike modern tennis, Royal Tennis is played with a wooden racquet that has a shorter handle and a much smaller head. The ball used in Royal Tennis is heavy and made of cork, covered in a layer of tightly stitched cloth.
The rules of Royal Tennis are complex and require strategic thinking, skill, and agility. Players must master various techniques, including serving, striking volleys, and playing off the walls. The game is often described as a combination of tennis, squash, and chess due to its intricate gameplay.
Today, Royal Tennis is played in a few specialized courts around the world, primarily in the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and the United States. While it may not have the same popularity as modern tennis, Royal Tennis holds a significant historical and cultural value, preserving a longstanding tradition of sport and leisure enjoyed by royalty and the elite.
The word "royal tennis" is derived from the Middle English term "tenes" or "tenetz", which was a general medieval term for a ball game played with the hand, a glove, or a racquet. The adjective "royal" was added later to emphasize the significance of the game being played by royalty or nobility. The origin of the word "tenes" itself is uncertain, although it is thought to have been influenced by Old French or Anglo-Norman language. Over time, "royal tennis" became a specific term for a particular form of the game that was played indoors on purpose-built courts, distinguishing it from other variations of tennis.