National Tennis Pro Day is commemorated on February 17 to honour professional tennis players who coach and instruct amateurs. On this day, dedicated tennis enthusiasts honour pros for coaching and sharing their knowledge. It is a day for tennis protégés to honour and thank their mentors. Coaches have an equal role in the lives of both amateur and professional athletes. Even the “Big Three” of tennis, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, acknowledge their instructors for a substantial portion of their success.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL TENNIS PRO DAY
National Tennis Pro Day was established by Maria Oddy in 2020, although its first observance did not occur until 2021. The purpose of this unofficial holiday is to express gratitude to tennis professionals around the world for their tireless efforts and patience when coaching recreational tennis players. The day is an opportunity to express appreciation to tennis professionals who have helped recreational players develop their game.
Tennis originated in France during the 12th century, when it was played with bare hands and was known as the ‘Game of the Palm.’ King Louis X of France was a passionate gamer. In the 16th century, the game was relocated from an open area to a court with regular regulations and rackets were introduced. Francis I of France constructed tennis courts to promote authentic tennis and encourage commoners and nobility to participate. Although tennis was played in most of Europe as early as the 13th century, its popularity exploded in the 16th century. Henry V initiated royal interest in tennis in England between 1413 and 1422. Henry VIII, as a young ruler from 1509 to 1547, made a significant influence by playing tennis enthusiastically on a court he constructed in 1530.
In 1437, tennis indirectly led to the execution of King James I of Scotland at Blackfriars, Perth, when the drain outlet that was meant to be his escape route from assassins was shut to prevent tennis balls from escaping. In 1555, Antonio Scaino da Salothe, an Italian friar, penned “Trattato del Giuoco della Palla,” the earliest known tennis book.
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Five interesting tennis-related facts
Before yellow balls are white
In an effort to increase spectator visibility, tennis balls were changed from white to yellow.
The terms racket and racquet differ.
The two names mean the same thing, although the former is more commonly used for tennis, and the latter is more commonly used for squash.
Aged, but still useful
The oldest tennis court in the world, the Royal Tennis Court, is still in operation.
Average distance covered
On the tennis court, players cover around three miles running back and forth.
Quickest Grand Slam final
In the 1988 French Open final, Steffi Graf retained her championship by defeating her opponent in 34 minutes.
NATIONAL TENNIS PRO DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 17 | Friday |
| 2024 | February 17 | Saturday |
| 2025 | February 17 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 17 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | February 17 | Wednesday |
