As the game became more popular, the playing areas were modified from courtyard to indoor courts, where the ball was still played off the wall. When bare hands were found uncomfortable to play, the players began to use a glove or a solid paddle with webbing that was attached to a handle -- a racquet. It was the birth of tennis racquet. As the Rubber balls were not invented, the ball was a roll of wool, hair, or cork wrapped in string and leather or cloth.

By the time, Jeu de Paume developed into a game called Royal Tennis or Real Tennis which became more popular among French royalty. It became a highly fashionable sport played by the kings and the aristocracy, in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. English king Henry VIII built a tennis court at England’s Hampton Court Palace which is still used today. The early tennis courts were different from the modern "lawn tennis" courts.  

The history of modern tennis actually began in 19th century in Britain with a man named Major Walter C. Wingfield. He is considered as the father of modern tennis. In December 1873, Wingfield acquired the patent rights for the equipments and rules for a game, similar to the modern tennis which was first played at a garden party in Wales. He invented a game called ‘Sphairistike’ (Greek for "skill at playing ball”) and was soon known as "sticky" which is also called as “lawn tennis”. Eventually, it was played by many people all over England. Wingfield's original court was shorter than the modern court and had the shape of an hourglass which was narrowest at the net.

In 1877, the first world amateur championships were held at the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, England. The tournament committee of All England Club came up with a rectangular court and a set of rules that are used in the game we play today. There were only 22 players in the Men’s Singles. Spencer Gore was the first winner of this event of tennis Wimbledon.

In the following years, tennis became tremendously popular all across the world. 1905 was the year that Wimbledon drew in 71 players when May Sutton from United States became the first international player of the tournament. The 1930s were the boom time for Wimbledon as the championship was broadcasted for the first time on radio in 1937.

Today, tennis has become a highly competitive and world-class sport which captivates many players and fans across the world. The continuous program of tournaments and events take place all through the year and many top tennis stars have become the icons of the game for the new generation.