Let’s talk about tennis. I don’t mean Lawn Tennis, the one we all know with the green felt balls, loud grunts, and a focus on power and speed. That form of tennis emerged in 19th century England, but there’s a far older version. It’s the one in which all other racquet sports derive. It’s Real Tennis, and Hobart is one of its most  significant hubs.

Real Tennis first came about in the 13th century, the same century in which paper and mechanical clocks were invented. Its rules have remained largely unchanged, so playing Real Tennis is like playing through history. It was even a favourite activity of Henry VIII when he wasn’t chopping his wives’ heads off.

The sport differs from Lawn Tennis in that the court is enclosed by walls on all sides, three of which have sloping roofs; beneath the slopes are the openings where spectators can watch the game. Then there is the tambour, a protruding buttress.  Here’s why all this is important: the walls and tambour can be used by players to aid their game, similar to squash. This makes the game less about power and speed, and more about strategy and angles. The balls are often hand-made at clubs and are similar in weight and density to a baseball.

What Lawn Tennis adopted from Real Tennis is the net, which players aim to hit the ball over, and the scoring system (15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage). The difference is, in Real Tennis the winner of the previous point has their score announced first rather than the server’s. The game can be played as singles or doubles. A set is won by the first player to secure six games, which is also why there are sets of six games in Lawn Tennis.

There are only about 40 Real Tennis courts in use worldwide, and only in the UK, US, France, and Australia, with most of them in the UK. In Australia, there are just four in use (with a new one opening in Sydney next Easter). The oldest of these is in Hobart.

The Hobart Real Tennis Club (HRTC) opened in 1875, making it one of the oldest sporting clubs in the southern hemisphere, and is an epicentre for the sport.  This month, they are celebrating their 150th anniversary.

A lot will be happening at the club throughout this birthday month.  Significantly, between 6-14 January, they are hosting the Real Tennis Australian Open, the 93rd edition of the event. It will have men’s and women’s, singles and doubles, with established champions alongside emerging talent. Even if you don’t know the sport or the players, this is sure to be a fun event to watch, with six countries represented.

Some of the favourite names to keep an eye on are current world champion, Camden Riviere, frequent finalist Nick Howell, and Hobart-raised Robert Fahey, the previous world champion, who learned the game at the club and successfully defended his world title ten times.

That Tasmania has raised some of the world’s best real tennis players is a testament to the HRTC’s significance. Over in the women’s draw, the headliner is current ladies world champion Claire Fahey, who happens to be Robert’s wife, joined by last year’s finalist Lea Van Der Zwalman, and former champion Saskia Bollerman.  Entry is $20 and includes all-play all-day for the first three days, so you can come and go as you please, and will be on a first come first served basis.

The celebrations will continue with the 50th Anniversary Handicap Doubles Tournament, held between 13-17 January.  This round-robin tournament allows members and players of any skill level to play in a fun, friendly atmosphere.

HRTC is located at 45 Davey Street in Hobart and welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. Every player gets a different handicap, meaning players of different levels can compete against each other. All members receive coaching and support from the club’s professional staff.  Visitors are always welcome to tour the club or watch a game in action, it’s a great chance to chat with the pros and learn more about the sport. The club also hosts regular “come and try” sessions throughout the year.

If you are interested in coming to the Real Tennis Australian Open or you want to  come along to the club and have a hit,  contact the Hobart Real Tennis Club on 0499 840 520, email pro@hobarttennis.com.au, or go to their website at www.hobarttennis.com.au.