Story in Russian

Published: 17 September 2023
on channel: Learn Russian fast with Rustories
203
25

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Russian Level B1 - B2
Text + Audio + Subs in Eng/Deu/Esp/Por/Pl/Fr/Fi

The story delves into the fascinating history and peculiarities of tennis as a sport. It begins by tracing the origins of tennis to medieval France in the 12th-13th centuries, where it was known as "jeu de Paum," meaning "playing the palm." This simple game would eventually evolve into the worldwide sport we know today as tennis.

One of the intriguing aspects highlighted in the story is the unique scoring system used in tennis, where players count as 15, 30, and 40. The origins of this scoring system are explored, with various theories discussed. The story explains how the word "tennis" itself is derived from the French verb "tenez," meaning "hold," which was shouted by the serving player while throwing the ball.

The story also provides insights into the early playing conditions and rules of tennis, where monks played "jeux de paume" in spacious wooden barns or open areas, with distinct markings on the field. The distance between players was 60 "pya," roughly equivalent to 60 English feet, and each successful play allowed the player to advance closer to the central border.

As tennis evolved over the centuries, the game saw innovations like gloves for serving and, later, rackets. While some rules changed, the scoring system of 15, 30, 40 persisted, making the game more engaging.

During the 17th century, tennis reached the height of its popularity in France, with approximately 1800 tennis courts in Paris alone. This cultural phenomenon is contrasted with the British perception of tennis as a waste of time, highlighting the cultural differences of the time.

The story also mentions alternative theories about the origin of the scoring system, such as the association with the monetary coin "ecu." However, it asserts that the French theory of dividing the field by lines is the most widely accepted explanation.

In contemporary tennis, the numbers 15, 30, and 40 do not represent points but rather indicate which player is closer to victory. The story provides a comprehensive overview of the history and intriguing aspects of tennis, shedding light on the sport's evolution from its humble beginnings to its global prominence today.

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