Modern tennis, as a sporting activity and hobby, began in the late 19th century in the United Kingdom. The European monks working in churches were responsible for inventing "lawn tennis". One crucial point in church history expressed of banning the game in the country. But after its unsuccessful attempt, the game quickly picked up its popularity to the elite groups of Englishmen and eventually was adapted to other countries. Major Walter Clopton Wingfield, of North Wales, is one person who gave a significant contribution to the world of tennis. He patented the rules and policies of the tennis game as well as the equipment in 1873. He is the author of two tennis books namely: The Book of the Game and The Major's Game of Lawn Tennis and was inducted to the 1997 International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Croquet was also a very popular sport at that time. People who wanted to play tennis used the croquet courts. Eventually, tennis courts were being constructed in the United States so as not to overlap croquets. It was important to patent tennis when people were starting to take the game seriously. After the official copyrighted document was established the sport freely sprang out to nearby countries and across the globe.

History records the different types of racquets and balls played in the game. But it was only in 1986 when the worldwide recognized tennis association introduced the standard yellow ball so viewers and tennis fans will be able to easily spot it.

The first Wimbledon competition was held in 1877 by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. The event was organized for the purposes of raising money for a brand new roller. There were only twenty-two competing male participants to start the game. The ladies' singles and men's doubles were both introduced in 1884. The first superstars of tennis were Ernest and William Renshaw, a twin from Britain. Their victory was known to be the "Renshaw Rush" both from the singles category and doubles title. The twins earned 13 titles in 1881 to 1889. As the Wimbledon established its global status, May Sutton of the United States was the first female overseas player who won the Ladies Single's title, and Norman Brookes from Australia became the first male to achieve the Men's Singles title.

The tournament usually lasts for a fortnight or longer as long as it is necessary to complete all sporting events. The courts used before were slightly different from the courts played today.

There are noticeable changes in the tennis game as years passed. Outfits started to become more chic and skimpier when Bunny Austin influenced the tennis fashion in 1933. Shorts were already allowed to be worn while playing in the courts. Before, skirts worn by women were longer and rather customary.

Today, the sport can be played by any individuals who are strong enough to hold a racquet. All levels and all ages are allowed to play the game, even the people in the wheelchairs. The game for the physically challenged is organized by the National Collegiate Athletics Association in the United States.

In 1970, tie-breaker was adopted. Along with it the instant replay was being practiced by two competing players. A point challenge system also allows a specific player to challenge another to an official call of a point.

The growth in Grand Slam tournaments in Eastern Europe and the Far East were also equally visible. Usually referred to as the major competitions, tennis fans today look forward to the French Open, Australian Open, U.S. Open and the above mentioned Wimbledon.