TENNIS was a game made for three according to the first Victorian rule book. Our ancestors started playing the game outdoors for the first time thanks to a Birmingham lawyer who experimented with the sport. Instead of the Wimbledon as we know it with strict singles and doubles teams with no mixing of the sexes the early Victorians were MORE liberal. In a version called the Unicorn one player could play against two opponents. And while ladies were discouraged from playing - they were permitted to battle against the men. This means if Wimbledon was played the Victorian way we could be looking at a big female name like Serena Williams playing the likes of Murray AND Djokovic. History buffs of the sport insist the 1874 'Lawn tennis or Pelota rules of the game' by Thomas Henry Gem was the first of its kind. Former PE teachers Sue Elks, 69, and Christopher Elks, 68, from Wythall in the West Midlands explained the difference the modern game has with the tennis of yesteryear.
SWIMMING next to 40 tonne whales, dare-devil divers take the plunge with these gentle giants of the sea .
FROM COLOURFUL autumn leaves to living trees at first glance you might miss these people blended with nature .
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
EAGERLY BITING his nails, this little squirrel is clearly nervous of looming predators as he searches for his meal .
COULD this be the most distastrous wedding cake fail EVER? Most brides opt for a traditional tiered white wedding cake decorated with delicate pink roses and lace for their big day .
Enjoying life’s little pleasures is something that many struggle to do .
THIS is the shocking moment a clumsy radio newsreader plunged into a freezing canal while texting her boyfriend instead of looking where she was going .
PERCHED on a branch, this Little Owl plays third wheel to two love birds .
A brave leopard kicks back and relaxes in the sunshine - just inches from an enormous crocodile .
RESTING his weary head on his flipper, this little seal pup takes a much needed nap after an afternoon of strenuous yoga .
MOUTH OPEN wide, this little stoat appears to be in mid-song as he belts out a tune for his onlookers .
An adorable black bear cub struggles to find the perfect spot for an afternoon nap as he wriggles around on the branch of a maple tree .