Did you know that clay tennis courts began in the Alpes Maritimes?

The Full English Breakfast Show - Did you know that clay tennis courts began in the Alpes Maritimes?

This week world number one tennis player, Novak Djokovic has criticised the state of the tennis court at the French Open, claiming to have injured himself by slipping on the Philippe-Chatrier court, where according to him, there was not enough clay. Did you know that clay courts began in the Alpes-Maritimes and have a history which spans the whole of France, from Vallauris in the Alpes-Maritimes to the Waziers brickworks in the North.

Initially, tennis was played by aristocrats in the 18th century. A sport that they practiced on grass with nails to mark off the pitch. Until the arrival in Cannes of the Renshaw twins in 1878. These lords were passionate about tennis and very quickly, they invited their friends, had courts built and organized competitions. But playing on grass didn’t suit them, particularly because of the sunshine and drought. During a visit to Vallauris, they discovered the work of potters who used a terracotta powder, the famous “red earth”. They then decided to spread this raw material on soil without grass to make clay and the rest is history, as they say.

Last local news

Evening Update Tuesday 21 October 2025

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has started a jail sentence for campaign finance conspiracy today... Evening Update Tuesday 21 October 2025 Read More

21/10/2025

French and Riviera News Tuesday 21st October 2025

A 61-year-old British woman died of a suspected heart attack while on a cruise off the coast of Cannes during the night of Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 Oc... French and Riviera News Tuesday 21st October 2025 Read More

21/10/2025

Evening Update Monday 20 October 2025

The Louvre museum in Paris remains closed today as investigations continue into yesterday’s burglary. ... Evening Update Monday 20 October 2025 Read More

20/10/2025

French and Riviera News Monday 20th October 2025

A bold robbery at the Louvre Museum has stunned authorities and art lovers on Sunday morning. At around 9:30 a.m., a team of four thieves used a crane... French and Riviera News Monday 20th October 2025 Read More

20/10/2025

Evening Update Friday 17 October 2025

The body of a man has been found in the port of Marseille Evening Update Friday 17 October 2025 Read More

17/10/2025