What Makes Tennis One of the Greatest Games

"Tennis offered another way to make men of strength and vigor while allowing them to remain gentlemen with their bodies intact. Its ample physical demands—the game is 'ardent, not phlegmatic'—were matched by an intellectual and psychological challenge." www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...

"The purpose of tennis was to develop attributes of peace rather than war: A 'steadfastness of aim and purpose, a better temper, and a kinder heart; here, through striving with your fellow man, you may learn to love him.'" www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...

This is an edition of Time-Travel Thursdays, a journey through The Atlantic’s archives to contextualize the present, surface delightful treasures, and examine the American idea. www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...

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