Women's tennis

Women's tennis is one of the most popular sports for women.[1] It is one of the few sports in which women command fame and popularity that equal those of their male counterparts.[2][3] Women's Tennis Association is the main organisation which runs female tennis.[4][5][6][7]

Women's tennis
Women's tennis at White City Stadium (Sydney) during Country Week
Highest governing bodyInternational Tennis Federation
First playedBetween 1859 and 1865, Birmingham, England
Characteristics
ContactNo
Team membersSingle or doubles
Mixed genderYes, separate tours & mixed doubles
TypeOutdoor
EquipmentTennis ball, tennis racket
VenueIndoor or outdoor tennis court
Presence
Country or regionWorldwide
OlympicYes, part of Summer Olympic programme from 1900 to 1924
Demonstration sport in the 1968 and 1984 Summer Olympics
Part of Summer Olympic programme since 1988
ParalympicYes, part of Summer Paralympic programme since 1992

History

Women's tennis is present from the first Olympic Games in 1900 in Paris and 1908 in London, but the women's doubles only appeared in 1920 at the Antwerp Games.

One of the first superstars of women's tennis is Suzanne Lenglen, who after six titles won at Wimbledon and the Internationaux de France leaves the amateur tennis to achieve a first professional tour in North America in 1926-1927. It is then considered a " Diva " 2.

However women's tennis did not really become established until the 1960s, and especially with the establishment of the WTA in the 1970s.[8]

Features of women's tennis

In women's tennis matches the ball is usually played without effect (less than lift) and games tend to play more from the baseline; typing is generally less powerful than men. The game is made in a more tactical speed and anticipation.[9] The service is also less powerful; it is relatively less important than for men. However, there has been a noted evolution in this field since the 1990s.[10][11]

See also

Bibliography

  • Le tennis féminin français, Vincent Cognet, Romain Lefebvre, Philippe Maria, Ed. du stade, 1999 (ISBN 2745602713)
  • Les dessous du tennis féminin, Nathalie Tauziat, ed. J'ai lu, 2001 (ISBN 2290312193)
  • N'oublie pas de gagner: Dans les coulisses du tennis féminin, Dominique Bonnot, ed. Stock, 20157 (ISBN 9782234078338)
  • Women's Tennis Tactics, Rob Antoun, Human Kinetics, 2007 (ISBN 9780736065726)

References

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