Wadsworth & Co.
Bethlehem PA
2020

Antique store in Bethlehem PA

An eclectic mix of old and new specializing in unique finds from France, Belgium, and an exclusive mix of monk sculptures. A must see experience!


In 1874, the first lawn tennis racquet was manufactured in London by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield. The racquet was made of solid wood and wrapped with a leather grip. As lawn tennis grew, racquets began to be made from timber such as ash wood, given its ability to bend into shapes and its toughness.

Invention
Major Walter C. Wingfield invented the first tennis racket in London in 1874. The rackets were made from solid wood and were large and heavy to withstand punishment.

Evolution
Wooden rackets remained essentially unchanged for about 95 years, with the exception of laminated wood rackets that became popular in 1947. Laminated wood rackets were more flexible and changed the way many players played.

Manufacturers
Slazenger, Dunlop, Spalding, and Wilson were the main manufacturers of wooden tennis rackets.

Last player to win a Grand Slam with a wooden racket
Yannick Noah won the French Open in 1983 with a wooden racket, making him the last man to win a Grand Slam with a wooden racket.