Many (dare I say, most) Hobartians might not be aware that Hobart is Home to the Oldest Real Tennis Club in Australia. Founded in 1875 by Samuel Travers, a merchant from England, the Club is 150 years old this year!
The Club are kicking off the birthday celebrations by hosting the Australian Open from Jan 6 – and you could say this is a REAL big deal.
What is Real Tennis, you ask?
Hello Hobart went along to the Hobart Real Tennis Club to meet Club Head Professional, Brett McFarlane, to find out more about this niche and slightly mysterious, sport.
Real Tennis began in Europe over 600 years ago, but there is some uncertainty around whether it originated in the Basque country or England. In 1529, Henry VIII imported the game to England where it was “unbelievably popular.”
Hobart Royal Tennis Club is the oldest real tennis club in the country and is one of only four active clubs in Australia and one of only 38 courts worldwide – with other courts located in England, France, and the USA.
Modern tennis or lawn tennis was derived directly from Real Tennis in the 1870s. In short, real tennis is a historical and technical version of the game, while modern tennis is its simplified, more universal (and mainstream) descendant.
“In the late 1870s, some ladies at one of the clubs in London, Leamington Spa, on an English summer’s day, got sick of watching and grabbed some rackets and balls and headed over to the park adjacent to the club where they had a hit on the grass outside.
“Not long after this, the first synthetic ball was patented and modern tennis, as we know it now, was born.”
Notably, the Hobart Real Tennis Club is older than modern tennis itself. Mind = blown.
So, what’s unique about Real Tennis?
Real Tennis is played indoors on asymmetrical courts with high walls, sloping roofs (called “penthouses”), and features like galleries and a “tambour” (an angled buttress).
The rules are complex, incorporating elements like hitting off walls and roofs (!?) or, in Hobart’s case, hitting the “Monk” (who is painted on the wall).
“It’s a bit more chess like and strategic [than modern tennis], in terms of how it is played, and it’s often compared to being a mix of tennis and squash.”
Also, the balls and racquets are very different to modern tennis.
“The balls are handmade, and weigh between 72 and 78 grams, which is four or five times as heavy as a modern tennis ball.
“There is a set formula for making the balls – we make them all ourselves – every single ball is hand sewn here in our workshop. 30 hours of labour a week goes into making the balls here at the Club.
“The racquets are also wooden and asymmetrical, with smaller heads compared to modern tennis racquets, to make it easier to cut or spin the ball when hit.”
What’s the Real Tennis scene like in Hobart?
“We’ve got around 250 members in total, and the court is booked for the better part of 14 hours a day – so things around here are pretty busy!”
The Club building itself has plenty of character and charm and is a fine example of colonial architecture. The Club houses a beautiful bar space (with an open fireplace), a large, light-filled function room (which seats between 40 – 50 people) with a full kitchen and an outdoor patio (complete with BBQ!). These spaces are available for hire by the public.
The Australian Open starts TODAY and will feature 16 of the world’s top Real Tennis players, with over half of the competitors travelling from either interstate of overseas to compete. Competitors include former word champion, Rob Fahey, who has successfully defended his world title ten times – twice in Hobart – since 1994. Notably, Rob learnt to play at the Hobart Real Tennis Club and is a true legend of the sport.
Curious? With the Australian Open on this week, now is the perfect time to go and watch the sport in action!
“We invite the Hobart community to drop-by – the Australian Open is a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s best places, right here in Hobart.”
Keen to have a hit? The Hobart Real Tennis Club offer newcomers a FREE introductory session so you’ve got nothing to lose!
“In Real Tennis, there is a handicapping system like in golf, which allows members – young or old – to co-exist and play reasonable games.
“We would love to welcome and new player to our club and get them started in this remarkable sport and great community.”
It’s a sport that must be seen to be understood – so what are you waiting for!?
Jump on their website to view times for the Australian Open and to RSVP to attend, or reach out to the team to arrange your free intro session: https://www.hobarttennis.com.au/
