Tennis is an honorable sport that grew from a handball game played by monks in France in the 12th century. By the 16th century, the sport gained rackets and a whole host of complicated rules, intended to keep out riff raff and ensure that only those with the noblest blood could play. King Henry VIII was a legendary tennis player in his day, as were Mary Queen of Scots and nearly every French monarch until the French Revolution.

In fact, even after Tennis has slimmed down its ruleset and become more accessible for the average person, the sport tends to attract the ambitious and hardworking, especially amongst children and teens. Unlike other sports, tennis takes an extraordinary amount of discipline to master; it requires strength, agility, intellect and creativity, which means those who thrive on the court are likely to find success elsewhere in life.

For more proof, consider the following inarguably successful people who participated in tennis when they were young:

Prince William and Kate Middleton

Continuing the tradition of countless royals before them, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been known to hit the courts for exercise and leisure. Though William and Kate play less tennis now that they are chasing after three little Windsors (who are beginning to take their first steps on the court), there are plenty of images of the pair playing the sport during their school days, when they were at just the beginning of their storied romance. Kate and William are present at nearly every major tennis event in the U.K., hobnobbing with other successful tennis players and fans.

Barack Obama

President Obama has long cultivated a reputation for his basketball skills, so many people don't realize that Barry plays well on the other courts, as well. In fact, the entire Obama family plays tennis; Michelle Obama is an outspoken proponent of the sport, trying to get more kids involved in tennis. During her tenure as First Lady, Michelle participated in dozens of tennis events, including the opening of courts for young players in impoverished neighborhoods. First daughters Malia and Sasha played tennis during their school years — and it will be thrilling to see what success they find.

Anna Wintour

The devil in Prada herself has been known to don haute couture athleticwear and hit the courts. In fact, Anna Wintour, Vogue's long-time editor-in-chief and international style icon, claims that every day, before 6 A.M., she fits in a round of tennis before getting her hair and makeup done and starting work. This is especially fitting when one considers that Wintour has played tennis since she was a girl — which is also when she first cut her hair into her inimitable pageboy bob. Wintour believes that tennis is an equalizer; that anyone, regardless of sex, gender, race, social status, orientation or size, can compete competently on the court and become a world-renowned champion.

Lars Ulrich

Most people won't recognize the name Lars Ulrich, but they know of his lifelong project: Metallica. Ulrich is the co-founder and drummer of the iconic heavy metal band — and he is also an avid tennis player. In fact, Ulrich's father played the sport professionally, and his family relocated to the United States in the hopes that Lars would follow in his father's footsteps. When he discovered that he wasn't cut out for America's high level of tennis competition, Ulrich pivoted his energy toward all things rock music and didn't look back.

Parents of kids interested in tennis should seriously consider enrolling them in a summer junior tennis camp, to sharpen their skills and prepare them for the future — especially if parents want their young ones to grow up to find as much success as those listed above.

Truthfully, tennis isn't guaranteed to give kids fame and glory, but it helps train players' bodies and minds for challenges they are likely to face throughout their lives. Plus, tennis is a social sport, which means players could have greater networking opportunities than non-players. Ultimately, tennis can be a beneficial hobby, and playing at a high level will continue to pay for the rest of a young person's life.