THE ROYAL TENNIS COURT, Hampton Court Palace, is home to a thriving club with over 500 members and is open and in use from 6.30 am to 11.30 pm every day of the year, except Christmas Day. The Royal Tennis Court is one of fewer than fifty real tennis courts in the world, and one of the few courts in the world where the public can watch this intriguing sport. The first tennis court at Hampton Court Palace was built for Cardinal Wolsey, between 1526 and 1529.