Over the weekend, I was thrilled to learn about the release of the “Serving Tennis History” digital archive. This exciting collaboration between the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Google Arts & Culture makes every issue of American Lawn Tennis accessible to anyone who wants to take it in. This new resource is a game-changer for tennis enthusiasts and historians alike.
American Lawn Tennis was published from 1907 through the 1970s. It featured tournament results, player profiles, instructional content, and commentary on the sport’s development. Players, officials, and fans widely read its contents. It is a detailed chronicle of how tennis evolved in the United States during the 20th century.
The archive contains over 30,000 digitized pages from American Lawn Tennis magazine, running from 1907 to 1951. It provides an unparalleled glimpse into the evolution of tennis, capturing pivotal moments, influential figures, and the cultural shifts that have shaped the sport.
Additionally, the International Tennis Hall of Fame has created a digital exhibit based on the archive that features curated stories that delve into various aspects of tennis history. Topics include things like the transformation of equipment, the evolution of playing styles, and the emergence of iconic players. It also highlights the journey of tennis legend Althea Gibson, and her rise as a trailblazer in the sport.
The “Serving Tennis History” project is more than a digital archive. It is a catalyst for ongoing exploration and discussion of our great sport. The depth and breadth of information that has suddenly become available will undoubtedly fuel many future blog posts on this site. It can only deepen and enrich analysis of the game’s past, present, and future.
For anyone passionate about tennis, “Serving Tennis History” is an invaluable source of information that brings the sport’s storied history to life.
