Real Tennis

Real tennis is played in an enclosed court with cork-cored balls and asymmetrical racquets. Like fives, it evolved from a game played with bare hands that emerged in France in the 12th century. By the 16th century it had become a racquet sport and there were thousands of tennis courts across Europe. Today there are just 50 courts worldwide, most of them in the UK. The term ‘real’ is a 20th century retronym used to distinguish it from the modern game of lawn tennis. 

This year Tony Friend (NG 1967) and Gareth Zundel (MG 1971) represented the OCs at the The Cattermull Cup 2024. The Cattermull Cup is the annual Schools’ Alumni Real Tennis Doubles Handicap Championship held at Middlesex University Real Tennis Court.

If you are a real tennis player and would like to represent the OCs in future competitions, or just try your hand at the game, please contact Tony Friend (tonyfriend@me.com).