Audio: Selling the Serve

Early ads were all about prestige. Brands like Bancroft flaunted racquets as “the choice of champions,” linking their gear to elite players and polished performance. Quality and aspiration ruled the message. Want to play like the pros? It started with the right gear.

In the 1920s, ads promised speed, power, and style. Tennis was bold and booming. By the 1930s, the tone shifted. Brands emphasized tradition, durability, and affordability. Even in hard times, tennis remained a lifestyle. Listen to learn how the message adapted over time.