According to Gamma Sports the very first tennis balls were pressureless tennis balls and were created in the 1860's as a result of the recent discovery of vulcanization. It wasn't until 1922 that Penn created the pressurized tennis ball that we use today.
Regular tennis balls are pressurized with air inside, which gives them a bounce that can wear out over time. Pressureless tennis balls do not have air inside and maintain their bounce for a longer period of time.
2011
Yes, temperature does affect the air inside a tennis ball. When the temperature increases, the air molecules inside the tennis ball expand and create higher pressure, causing the ball to be more bouncy. Conversely, when the temperature decreases, the air molecules contract, leading to lower pressure and reduced bounce.
The history of the tennis ball goes back to the 15th century, and the individual who created it has been lost to time. For further information on tennis balls, visit the Wikipedia link, below.
Tennis originated from a 12th century French game called pimple's; it was a court game where the ball was struck with the hand.
I believe Rene LeCoste invented a hand-cranked machine that propelled tennis balls, while Bob McLure reversed the motor on a vacuum cleaner to create the first commercially viable ball machine in 1970.
a tennis ball
In 1873, Major Walter Wingfield invented a game called Sphairistikè (Greek for "playing ball) from which modern outdoor tennis evolved.
A tennis ball.
A tennis ball.
The tennis ball is on the line.
Eclipse Ball was invented in the United States in the 1930s. It was created as a variation of volleyball and tennis, combining elements of both sports to create a unique game.