The Rationalisation + Modern day development of Lawn tennis

Question 1

What are the key features of lawn tennis development in the industrial/ post industrial era?

Answer 1

1.Middle class invention.
2. Played by middle class.
3. Organised by middle class.
4. Public provision.
5. Use of specialist equipment.
6. Use of standardised rules.
7. Played by both males and females.

Question 2

Modern day tennis

Answer 2

• MD tennis spread around the world (4 majors).
• People realised they could earn a significant amount of money from their skills. Professional tours started around 1920s.
• Rest of tennis remained amateur, with professionals being excluded from participation.

Question 3

Modern day tennis (‘open era’)

Answer 3

• 1968- commercial pressures and rumours of amateurs taking illegal payments (shamateurism) lead to the end of the distinction between amateurs and professionals.
• This lead to the beginning of the ‘open era’ where professionals could play against amateurs and earn money.

Question 4

The open era- prize money

Answer 4

• Open era- distinct inequalities in prize money for men and women.
  1968 Wimbledon- Men= £2000 Women= £750
• However, recently (2007) the prize money became equal, and has been raised.

Question 5

Emergence of elite female tennis players in modern day sport- WTA

Answer 5

• The work of the WTA provided opportunities through prize money and sponsorship.
• Developed their own professional circuit.
• Fought the inequalities in prize money.
• Created positive role models.