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The history of tennis -

Some historians believe early versions of tennis were invented in ancient Egypt, while others think it originated in France and was played by French monks in the 11th or 12th centuries.

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The modern form of tennis -

The modern form of tennis originated in England, in the late 19th century when it was known as lawn tennis.

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Tennis in the 1880s - Tennis in the 1880s was dominated by twin brothers named William and Ernest Renshaw. William won the Wimbledon singles championship seven times, on three occasions defeating Ernest in the final.

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The first international team competition -

The first international team competition was the Davis Cup, officially called the International Lawn Tennis Challenge Trophy. It was donated by US doubles champion Dwight Davis in 1900.

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Grand Slam tournaments -

The Grand Slam tournaments are the most prestigious events in tennis. They include the Australian Open, French Open (Roland-Garros), Wimbledon, and the US Open. Winning all four in a calendar year is a rare and highly prestigious achievement.

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Tennis can be played at multiple levels -

From social doubles to competitive singles, tennis can be played at multiple levels by anyone and everyone who can hold a racket.

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Physical health benefits -

Tennis has been proven to reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes, improve coordination, increase energy levels, and strengthen the heart.

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Lean muscle mass -

The frequent racket swings while playing tennis maintain and grow lean muscle mass in the shoulders and arms. The core and stabilizer muscles are also improved with the body's constant rotation and movement.

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Multifaceted use of the musculoskeletal system -

The quick stopping, starting, and sudden changes in direction during a game of tennis require multifaceted use of the musculoskeletal system.

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Stronger bones -

Playing tennis can contribute to stronger, thicker, and healthier bones, especially for those who start at a young age.

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Improved flexibility -

Tennis improves flexibility, balance, and range of motion, as it's necessary to reach, stretch, pivot, and decelerate while playing.

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Reduced risk of heart disease -

The high-intensity movement followed by short bouts of rest while playing tennis reduces the risk of heart disease. Playing regularly has been shown to lower the overall risk of heart disease by up to 56%.

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Lowered blood pressure -

Tennis also lowers blood pressure, improves resting heart rate, and increases healthy lipid profiles, which improve cholesterol levels.

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Weight loss -

Tennis is thought to burn between 400 and 600 calories per hour. You also build lean muscle while playing, which increases your metabolism, aiding in weight loss and helping you keep the weight off.

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A longer lifespan -

According to the Copenhagen City Heart Study, tennis players extended their lives by 9.7 years. This compares to 4.7 years for cyclists, 3.7 years for swimmers, and 3.2 years for joggers. This improved longevity is attributed to the sport's cardiovascular and musculoskeletal advantages and social aspect.

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Brain benefits -

Tennis requires strategic planning and quick decision-making, which stimulate brain function and challenge cognitive abilities.

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Quicker reaction times and temporal processing -

Tennis improves eye movement tracking and reaction times. Research shows tennis players outperform other athletes when it comes to these reflexive skills.

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Mental health benefits -

Research shows tennis players experience lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety compared to non-players.

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How to get started: taking lessons or joining a local club -

If you want to start playing tennis, it's recommended to first learn the basics, including grip, strokes, and footwork. You can do this by taking lessons from a coach or joining a local tennis club.

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Invest in quality equipment -

Whether you're new to the sport or looking to improve your skills, it's best to invest in a good quality racket and comfortable tennis shoes that provide plenty of support.

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Stay hydrated -

When playing tennis, it's important to listen to your body and take regular breaks when needed. You should also ensure you stay hydrated.

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Don't play on a wet court -

Grass courts can become extremely slippery when wet, while clay courts can retain water, creating slick, muddy conditions. Playing in these conditions can be hazardous and may lead to injury.

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Injuries and tennis -

According to Sports Medicine Australia, five tennis injuries occur every 1,000 hours of participation, so it's important to be aware of common injuries that can occur and how to avoid them when playing a game of tennis.

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Ankle sprains -

Ankle sprains are the most common type of injury in tennis and typically occur due to sudden changes in direction or awkward landings.

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Rotator cuff -

Repetitive shoulder movements and the force and high impact of overhead strokes can cause rotator cuff injuries. It's essential to maintain sufficient strength, range of motion, and stability in the shoulder joint to avoid injury.

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Knee injuries -

The sprints, jumps, pivots, and stops during a tennis match place a significant amount of strain on the knees. As a result, tennis players are susceptible to patellar tendonitis, which is the inflammation and gradual tearing of the patellar tendon.

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Stress fractures in the back -

During a tennis match, players often hyperextend, rotate, and bend their backs in various directions. The repetitive motions can put stress on the vertebrae in the lower back and result in spondylolisthesis, a condition in which the vertebrae shifts forward.

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Post-match soreness -

If you experience soreness a day or two after a match, consider massaging or foam rolling the affected muscles.

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Diversify your activities -

In order to get the most out of your tennis matches, you'll need to diversify your activities. Weight lifting, for example, will provide you with more endurance to optimize your time on the court.

Sources: (National Geographic) (Britannica) (WebMD)

See also: Is padel the new tennis?

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