Tennis

Tennis, also known as “the sport of kings” (despite the fact that the actual monarchs themselves couldn’t be bothered to play it), is a game where two or four players hit a small ball back and forth across a net with rackets while trying not to look like complete idiots.

The origin of tennis is shrouded in mystery, but according to legend, it was invented in 12th century France when a bored monk discovered that hitting a round object with his hand against a wall was an excellent way to pass the time. As it turns out, the monk was onto something, and tennis has since become one of the most popular sports in the world.

Despite its popularity, tennis players are often the butt of jokes. They are known for their grunting, their sweatbands, and their tendency to argue with umpires over calls that are clearly wrong (looking at you, John McEnroe).

Tennis tournaments are also known for their quirky traditions, such as the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club’s requirement that players wear all white (which has led to some embarrassing sweat stains over the years). And let’s not forget the Wimbledon strawberries and cream, which are almost as famous as the players themselves.

But perhaps the most amusing thing about tennis is the fact that it’s one of the few sports where the audience is expected to be completely silent. In fact, if you so much as whisper during a match, you might get shushed by an angry spectator. This leads to some hilarious moments, such as the time a player’s phone went off during a match and he had to answer it in near-silence.

All jokes aside, tennis is an incredibly challenging sport that requires skill, athleticism, and mental fortitude. So the next time you see a tennis player, remember to give them the respect they deserve. And then quietly snicker to yourself when they grunt while serving.