Here's a concise timeline of the history of tennis rackets, showing how technology, materials, and design have evolved alongside the sport:
1. 12th–16th Century: The Origins- Early tennis (jeu de paume) was played with the hand, then with a glove, and eventually with a wooden paddle.
- By the 1500s, rackets with wooden frames and gut strings appeared in France and England.
- Frames were made of solid wood (typically ash).
- Natural gut strings from animal intestines (often sheep) were used.
- Rackets had a small, teardrop-shaped head and long handle.
- Design remained relatively unchanged for over 300 years.
- Manufacturers like Slazenger and Wilson improved balance and durability.
- Rackets remained wooden but featured laminated wood for more strength.
- Heavy and flexible, often weighing over 13 oz (370+ grams).
- The first metal racket was introduced by Wilson in the 1960s (popularized by Billie Jean King).
- Made of steel or aluminum, offering better stiffness and larger sweet spots.
- Players began to experience more power and control.
- Graphite-composite rackets took over — lighter, stiffer, and more responsive.
- Brands like Prince, Head, and Wilson launched larger oversized heads (more forgiving for amateur players).
- Rackets became lighter (~10–12 oz), improving maneuverability and spin.
- Modern rackets use combinations of graphite, carbon fiber, titanium, Kevlar, and basalt.
- Focus on power, spin, and vibration reduction.
- Players now have custom stringing, weight balance, and handle grips tailored to their style.
- Innovations like aerodynamic frames, smart sensors, and dampening systems are common.
- 1976: Prince introduces the oversized racket.
- 1983: Graphite rackets dominate pro tennis.
- 2000s–Present: Players like Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic use custom, high-tech frames built for speed and control.