Was tennis supposed to be an all-male or all-female sport?

Answer 1

The roots of tennis started as game ("jeu de paume") for royalty and the very well-to-do, as only those with substantial wealth could afford the equipment and court construction costs. As such, the game was predominantly male. However, queens, princesses, courtesans, and other "wordly" women, were often invited to play with the men. Centuries later, when the game progressed to become "lawn tennis", women were allowed to play, but not compete at either the amateur or professional level. Of course, that eventually changed. So, it wasn't "supposed" to be either all-male or all-female. Refer to the links, below, for further information.