It is an ancient sport of Kings and was a favourite of Henry VIII, so it is fitting that the first-ever Real Tennis Champions Tournament would be held at his old home.

Hampton Court Palace is hosting the tournament this summer in it's Royal courts.

Professional tennis players from America, Australia, France and the UK have been invited to battle it out in the ancient game, played by the kings of Europe, and fight for the trophy from July 11 – 16.

The tournament will lead into a weekend of Tudor party fun as visitors are treated to real jousting matches in the Palace grounds, a display of Tudor sword drama and a Tudor-style feasts of meat.

Liz Young, head of events at Historic Royal Palaces, said: ‘As the spiritual home of Real Tennis, we’re delighted to be hosting the inaugural Real Tennis Champions Trophy at Hampton Court Palace.

“With the world’s top players battling it out on our historic court, we hope it’ll inspire an entirely new audience to learn more about this fascinating sport.”

For 400 years, the historical sport has been played by generation after generation of Royals including dramatic matches from Charles II, William III, Prince Albert and most famously Henry VIII.

The new annual event will celebrate the skill and expertise required by this game as it takes on an updated, innovative format to its former days.

Restricting the tournament to just the world’s top 10 players, the audience is promised an exciting and adrenaline driven week of matches.

Similar to the tennis played today, the games take place on a court divided into two ends with a net on a specially created indoor court with solid handmade balls and wooden-framed, handcrafted racquets.

The matches will test the player’s stamina as there is no sitting down and points are awarded for ‘hazards’ hit and shots through the window-like openings in the roof.

With less than fifty real tennis courts left in the world that can still be played on, the Royal courts will give viewers an opportunity to watch this intriguing game.

The tournament starts with the qualifying rounds on July 11 with the finals taking place July 16.

For more information and to purchase tickets, starting from £25, visit www.hrp.org.uk/realtennis