March 2 marks World Tennis Day, celebrated every year on the first Monday of March. Launched in 2013, the day encourages people of all ages to pick up a racket, hit a court, and enjoy a sport that has evolved over nearly a thousand years.
Tennis began long before modern rackets, scoring systems, or stadium crowds. In the 12th century, the French played “jeu de paume” — the game of the palm — a handball-style pastime enjoyed by commoners and royals alike. Over time, players began using gloves, then paddles, and eventually rackets, transforming the game into what Britain later called “real tennis.”
By the late 1200s, Louis X of France had indoor courts built in a style that would influence the sport for centuries. As the game spread across Europe, it developed rules, equipment, and a passionate following. The invention of the lawn mower in the 19th century changed everything again, making grass courts easier to maintain and paving the way for lawn tennis, the direct ancestor of today’s game.
Today, tennis is played by millions around the world — on public courts, in clubs, on clay, grass, and hard courts — and remains one of the most watched and beloved sports globally.
Before you serve up your day, here’s your Tillsonburg fuel update:
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Pioneer: $121.9
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Esso: $121.9
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Shell: $124.9
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Petro Canada: $124.9
If you’ve been thinking about dusting off that old racket, today’s as good a day as any to step onto the court.
