What Makes Tennis One of the Greatest Games
This article explores the historical and cultural significance of tennis, tracing its evolution from a niche activity to a premier athletic sport. It reflects on how the sport has historically been viewed as a test of character and martial virtue.
Why it matters
It provides cultural context for the modern popularity of tennis by examining its roots in 20th-century social values regarding masculinity and athleticism.
It wasn’t always regarded as the intensely athletic sport that it is.
George Rinhart / Corbis / Getty September 10, 2026, 5:40 PM ET Share Save This is an edition of Time-Travel Thursdays, a journey through The Atlantic ’s archives to contextualize the present. Sign up here.
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