Tennis quiz: History

The full answer key for this quiz, question by question.

Which Grand Slam tournament is the oldest?

WimbledonIt was founded in 1877 by the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club

Which innovation was introduced to avoid endless sets?

The tie-breakIts American creator is James Van Alen, in the 1960s

What does the historic term "lawn tennis" mean?

Tennis on grassThe game was originally played on the lawns of English clubs

Which material were tennis rackets made of before the 1970s?

WoodGraphite and composites later allowed stiffer frames

In which year was the Davis Cup, the men's national team competition, created?

1900It is named after the American Dwight Davis, who donated the trophy

Suzanne Lenglen, a leading figure in women's tennis, made her name in which period?

The 1920sA court at Roland-Garros and a trophy bear her name today

In which year did the Open era begin, allowing professionals into the Grand Slams?

1968Before that date, those tournaments were reserved for amateur players

Which French game is regarded as the ancestor of modern tennis?

Jeu de paumeThe ball was first struck with the palm of the hand