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BERLIN TENNIS GALLERY

Berlin Tennis Gallery presents a curated chronological journey through one thousand years of tennis, marking a new era in the presentation of sports history

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Berlin Tennis Gallery at a Glance

Most complete display of 1,000 years of tennis history
Seamless documentation of racquet and ball evolution across the centuries
2,800+ racquets from 1500 to today on display, including squash & badminton
274 one-of-a-kind objects in the online gallery, with over 2,000 high-resolution 3D renderings and a dedicated clip for each item
Each piece enriched with historical context, detailed visuals, and dynamic storytelling

Latest Releases

String bed of Garsault Demi-Paume Racquet from 1767

Garsault´s Demi-Paume 1767

Demi-Paume Racquet by Francois de Garsault, 1767

The history of tennis balls illustrated along tennis balls from 1000 years, placed on a mirror

Evolution of the Tennis Ball

Evolution of the 1000-year development of the tennisball

Portrait position of the Scanno Racquet from 1555

The Scanno Racquet 1555

The first racquets in tennis history. From the end of the Middle ages.

A Journey Across Tennis History

Antique tennis glove and tennis ball 1000 AD

Chapter I
From Hand to Racquet
1000 AD - 1500

Explore the early evolution of the tennis ball, beginning around 1000 AD, and the introduction of the racquet at the end of the Middle Ages. This chapter also covers the transition to white balls and the eventual adoption of the common yellow ball we know today.

The Wingfield Tennis Racquet of Walter Clopton Major Wingfield from 1876 commissioned by Prince Edward

Chapter II
From Royal to Lawn Tennis
1500 - 1874

Step into the world of Royal Tennis, a sport enjoyed by kings and nobility. Learn how early racquet designs evolved into the distinct shape of the Real Tennis racquet, reflecting the sport’s growth among the elite.

Holztennisschläger

2 half face profiles, green cross string and red cross strings

Chapter III
From Solid to Laminated Wood
1874 - 1930

Witness how racquets evolved from flat-top, square, or round wooden frames to the classic oval shapes we recognize today. This chapter also explores the development of string patterns and the increasing sophistication of racquet architecture.

Aufgeschnittener Holztennisschlaeger laminiert

Chapter IV
From Wood to Composite
1930 - 1982

Discover the iconic laminated wooden frames used by legends like Rod Laver, Chris Evert-Lloyd, and Bjorn Borg. This chapter focuses on the peak of the wooden racquet era before the introduction of composite materials.

Release Date
12 May 2026

Pete Sampras Wilson Pro Staff racket

Aufgeschnittener Schlaeger mit Spritzgussherstellung mit ausschmelzbarem Kern

Chapter V
The Revolution -
Injection Molding 1982

Learn about the shift in racquet production when Dunlop introduced injection moulding in 1982. The Max 200G, one of the first racquets made with this process, gained fame through the successes of Steffi Graf and John McEnroe.

Release Date
16 Sep 2026

McEnroe´s Dunlop 200 G

Snauwaert Ergonom tennis racket

Chapter VI
Iconic Inventions of the
20s century

Chapter VI covers the key innovations of the 20th century that transformed constructions, from oversized frames to unique string patterns. These inventions pushed the boundaries of the sport and reshaped how the game was played.

Release Date
2 Nov 2026

Nuccio Bertones Racket

Steffi Grafs Wilson Pro Staff Lite racket

Chapter VII
Gear from the Greats
1982 - Today

Take a closer look at the tools used by tennis legends such as Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, and Steffi Graf. This chapter explores how the tool has evolved to meet the demands of the sport’s greatest players.

Release Date
3 Apr 2027

Jimmy Connors Wilson T2000 Lacoste & Outtakes | Berlin Tennis Gallery

Jimmy Connors Wilson T2000 Lacoste & Outtakes | Berlin Tennis Gallery

The BTG History Channel

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