Brunswick Hills Racquet Club

Did you know German-born Boris Becker became the first unseeded player to win Wimbeldon in 1985? Being only 17 years old at the time, Becker also earned the reward of being the first German and youngest player to ever win the title.

In 1877, the patent of the original inventor of tennis expired, leading to the establishment of the court size and scoring we know today. This year also marked the first championship at Wimbledon, consisting of all men and only singles matches.

"By the late 19th century, the popularity of lawn tennis had overtaken croquet in England. For this reason, the All England Croquet Club embraced the sport and designated certain croquet lawns to be used for tennis," according to the International Olympic Committee.

Tennis history: Did you know that early tennis balls were originally made of wood? Play also went from using one's hands, to gloved hands, to forms of rackets.

“My father actually moved out from Chicago just so he could play tennis 365 days a year, so it was - it was a place we played every day. We played before school. We played after school. We woke up. We played tennis. We brushed our teeth, in that order.” – Andre Agassi

Tennis ball manufacturers used to produce around 13,000 tennis balls a year in the old days. Now however, with state of the art technology in their factories, they can produce more than 13,000 tennis balls each hour.

Tennis balls typically have a covering of wool felt. An extra-duty ball will have an additional felt covering for more wear and tear. This type of ball should be used on a court with a rough surface or at higher altitudes.

If you want to play tennis but have not found an appropriate partner, then joining a tennis club is the perfect solution. Through your club, you will meet players at your level and keep up plenty of practice.

American tennis player Dwight Davis founded the Davis Cup. "Davis himself played in the inaugural tie," writes the International Tennis Federation, "steering his country to the first of many titles."

Did you know Maria Sharapova holds the title for the loudest recorded “grunter” at Wimbeldon? The feat, which reached 105 decibels, was accomplished in 2009. Sharapova’s exclamation was roughly as loud as standing three feet away from a running motorcycle.

Ahhhh a great day at the US Open today. Coach Will with student Ryan Val, an up and coming tennis star. Checking out the competition.

Tennis can be played both indoors and outdoors. With outdoor tennis courts in particular, the level court typically is made of clay or grass.