Discover the complexities of a centuries-old game that even champions struggle to explain.

  • Real tennis, an ancient sport, is vastly different from modern tennis.
  • Robert Fahey dominated real tennis for nearly three decades.
  • Camden Riviere, the current champion, faces disbelief when he mentions his title.
  • Real tennis has complex rules and scoring systems that confuse many.
  • The sport has a small player base, with only about 10,000 players worldwide.
  • Famous players like John McEnroe and Roger Federer have tried real tennis with mixed results.
  • Real tennis courts are rare in the U.S., primarily located east of the Mississippi.

In Tuxedo Park, N.Y., the true champion of real tennis, Robert Fahey, has spent nearly three decades dominating a sport that many find perplexing. Unlike modern tennis, which emerged in the 1870s, real tennis is an ancient game with roots stretching back eight centuries. Fahey, now 56, often avoids discussing his sport, opting instead to say he’s a photographer, as explaining the game can be a daunting task. nnCamden Riviere, the younger American who took the title from Fahey in 2022, is more open about his profession, but even he faces skepticism when he reveals he’s a world champion. With only about 10,000 players globally, real tennis is a niche sport, and its complexity often leaves people confused. nnThe game is played on indoor courts that are significantly larger than those used in modern tennis, and while the scoring system may seem familiar, the methods of scoring and hitting the ball are entirely different. Players use small, tightly-strung wooden rackets and can score points in various ways, including hitting specific openings on the court. The most challenging aspect of the game is ‘the Chase,’ a rule that requires extensive explanation. nnDespite its rich history, which includes mentions by Shakespeare and royal patronage, real tennis struggles for recognition. Many players, including Riviere and Fahey, find that their achievements often go unnoticed, even in their hometowns. The sport’s exclusivity and the limited number of courts in the U.S. contribute to its obscurity. nnNotable athletes like John McEnroe and Roger Federer have tried their hand at real tennis, with mixed results. While McEnroe reportedly struggled, Federer showed promise after some initial difficulties. The sport, often referred to as the ‘sport of kings,’ continues to captivate a small but dedicated group of players, even as it remains largely unknown to the wider public.·

Factuality Level: 6
Factuality Justification: The article provides a mix of factual information about real tennis and personal anecdotes from players, but it also includes some subjective opinions and potentially misleading statements about the sport’s recognition and financial aspects. While it is informative, the tone and some content may detract from its overall objectivity.·
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides an interesting overview of real tennis, including historical context and personal anecdotes from players. However, it lacks a deeper analysis of the sport’s significance or broader implications, and some sections feel anecdotal rather than evidence-based. While it stays on topic, it does not offer actionable insights or solutions.·
Private Companies: Boston’s Tennis & Racquet Club,Tuxedo Club
Key People: Robert Fahey (Real Tennis Champion), Camden Riviere (Business Manager of Boston’s Tennis & Racquet Club), Bertie Vallat (Real Tennis Professional), Max Trueman (Real Tennis Professional), Susie Falkner (Chief Executive of the International Real Tennis Professionals Association), John McEnroe (Tennis Player), Gary Swain (Agent of John McEnroe), Roger Federer (Tennis Player)

Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: The article discusses a niche sport with limited financial implications and does not mention any significant events affecting financial markets or companies.
Financial Rating Justification: The content focuses on the sport of real tennis and its players, without any direct connection to financial topics or market impacts.·
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses the niche sport of real tennis and its players, but does not mention any extreme events that occurred in the last 48 hours.·
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: All
Direction: Neutral
Magnitude: Small
Affected Instruments: No

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com