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Evolution of Tennis and the Racquet

Coming Soon!

Launch: 1 July 2025

Embark on a journey through the thousand-year history of tennis.  In seven chapters, we delve into the evolution of the sport and its essential tools, focusing on key developments that have shaped the game.  Each chapter offers insightful narratives that highlight the development of the player’s equipment.

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.
 

Release Date:
1 July 2025

The Scanno Tennis Racquet from 1555
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.
 

Release Date:
4 July 2025

The Renshaw Tennis Racquet of Slazenger from 1886 with round head shape
Solid wooden tennis racquet frames

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 recognise today.  This chapter also explores the development of string patterns and the increasing sophistication of racquet architecture.
 

Release Date:
13 July 2025

Prototype Tennis Racquet showing laminated wood technology
The Jack Kramer Pro Staff Tennis Racquet. Played by John McEnroe in the 1980 Wimbledon Final

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:
23 Sep 2025

The Wilson Pro Staff Mid 85 Tennis Racquet
The Injection Molding Invention for Tennis Racquet of Dunlop. Introduced in 1982.

​​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:
25 Nov 2025

Dunlop Max 200 G Tennis Racquet. Made famous by Steffi Graf and John McEnroe
Famous Snauwaert Ergonom Tennis Racquet from 1982

​​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:
18 Dec 2025

Nuccio Bertone´s famous tennis racquet invention from 1888. Collaboratiion with Ferrari and Pirelli
Steffi Graf Person Wilson Classic Ligth Tennis Racquet of 1995. Gift of Hans-Martin Reh, Wilson Sporting Goods

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:
27 Feb 2026

The 1995 Head Radical Personal Tennis Racquet of Andre Agasse Played during French Open 1995
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