I've always thought of RPGs as narrative focused games with character progression based on improving stats and equipment. I think both A Link to the Past and Chrono Trigger would fit that description. ALttP may not have the same depth of character traits, but there's still a progression unlocking extra health hearts and stronger swords iirc.

For the other games you mentioned, I would say they have RPG elements (ie. increasing player stats in Mario Tennis), but the narrative isn't really the focus of game in the same way as with a traditional RPG.