Tennis Books

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Book SynopsisStanding in Line is a humorous memoir, based on a variety of experiences in The Queue, one of sport's most fascinating traditions. Told through the eyes of a ten-year-old boy becoming a 39-year-old man, it is a love letter both to Wimbledon and to the wonder of British summertime. Watching the Championships is a national pastime, and this book is full of the ups and downs out on court, as well as the memorable pop-cultural moments off it. It is set against the desperate wait for a British Gentlemen's champion, viewed against the global reality show Wimbledon has become - transcending sport and class, yet still embracing tradition. Illustrated with drawings from renowned artist and author Zebedee Helm, the book observes both the changing world around us and the behaviour of the half-million fans who cram themselves into this leafy corner of London for two weeks every year. Standing in Line is a joyful, gently nostalgic read for anyone who has found themselves gazing for hours on end at coverage of Wimbledon.

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Book SynopsisJohn Lloyd was the poster boy of British tennis - a former British number one, Grand Slam finalist, Wimbledon mixed-doubles champion and Davis Cup captain. Remarkably, he and his two brothers, David (of leisure club fame) and Tony, all played in the singles championship at Wimbledon in the same year: a testament to the parents who believed in their sons' dreams as the boys batted tennis balls against a garage wall in Essex. Told with humour and honesty, John's autobiography is filled with intimate insight and captivating tales of Hollywood celebrities, tennis icons, broadcasting greats and loves lost - from his marriage to the legendary Chris Evert and dealings with Donald Trump to his sobering battle with cancer and drug addiction at the heart of his family. As the story unfolds, the John of today sends letters of advice to his former self in a yearnful act of 'if I only knew then what I know now'. What we now know for certain is that John Lloyd has lived an extraordinary life.

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Book SynopsisWimbledon 2014 is recorded in this official annual.

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Book SynopsisThe evocative and beautifully illustrated retelling of the 2015 Wimbledon championships.

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Book SynopsisThe official, licensed story of one of the biggest sporting events of 2019, full of stunning imagery and gripping text.

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Book SynopsisBoris's story is almost without parallel in tennis, from astonishing teenage talent, to Wimbledon champion, to a renowned television commentator, manager, and coach of one of the world's greatest contemporary players, Novak Djokovic. In this wonderful illustrated autobiography, Boris shares his unique story, tracing his career through the many changes in the game but which has, at its heart, his loving relationship with Wimbledon, the place where it all began for him. Boris talks frankly about his own career, how it transformed his life and those of so many others, reflecting on what it was like to play in the era of McEnroe, Connors, Lendl and Edberg - about the highs and lows of his life as played on the grand stage of Centre Court, and tennis' other great arenas; the changes that have transpired in fitness, the media, the partying, the equipment, the tactics, the personalities, the technology, and the commerce.

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Book SynopsisAnalyzing how tennis turned pro The arrival of the Open era in 1968 was a watershed in the history of tennis--the year that marked its advent as a professionalized sport. Merging wide-angle history with individual stories of players and off-the-court figures, Greg Ruth charts tennis's evolution into the game we watch today. His vivid account moves from the cloistered world of nineteenth-century lawn tennis through the longtime amateur-professional divide and the battles over commercialization that raged from the 1920s until 1968. From there, Ruth details the post-1968 expansion of the game as it was transformed by bankable superstars, a popular women's tour, rival governing bodies, and sponsorship money. What emerges is a fascinating history of the economics and politics that made tennis a decisive, if unlikely, force in the creation of modern-day sports entertainment. Comprehensive and engaging, Tennis tells the interlocking stories of the figures and factors that birthed the professiTrade Review"Ruth's work is an excellent source for a history of sexism in tennis, while highlighting some of the biggest names on and off the court, who ushered tennis into a profitable sport in the postmodern era." --Journal of American History "This well-researched volume will be a valuable addition to any sports history collection." --Choice "This book is for tennis pros, serious amateurs, hackers, lovers of the game, and anyone interested in sport history. Greg Ruth shows us how tennis evolved from England’s royal court to L.A.'s public courts to the U.S. Open's billionaire courts. Featuring big personalities and terrific storytelling, Tennis shows us how and why the game evolved over the years. This is excellent sport history."--Elliott J. Gorn, coauthor of A Brief History of American Sports, Second EditionTable of ContentsCoverTitle PageCopyrightContentsAcknowledgmentsAbbreviationsIntroduction: Tennis Amateurs and Tennis Professionals1. Amateur Associations along the American Atlantic Coast2. The West Coast Game3. The Cause Célèbre of the Pioneering Professional4. Depression-Era Developments in Amateur and Professional TennisPhoto Section 15. Wartime Southern California Professionals6. The Cultural Contexts of Mid-Century Women’s Tennis7. The “Kramer Karavan”8. The World Champion from “The Wrong Side of the Tracks"9. Tennis OpensPhoto Section 210. The Rise and Demise of World Championship Tennis11. The Impact of Sports Agents and Agencies on Professional Tennis12. Women’s Professional Tennis in the Early Open EraConclusion: Professional Tennis as Global EntertainmentNotesSelected BibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisDrawing upon his experience on the tennis circuit, William Ralston analyses the key stages on the journey to becoming a more successful tennis player, and includes advice from some of the sport's leading players, coaches and experts. The book provides an in-depth analysis of the techniques, equipment, strategy and tactics used in the modern game.

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Book SynopsisThe days of tennis as a country club sport for the aristocracy have long passed, as have the preOpen era days when Black players faced long odds just to be invited to the four Grand Slam events. An entire generation of sports fans has grown up seeing Venus and Serena Williams as the gold standard in American professional tennis. Although the Williams sisters have done more than any other players to make tennis accessible to a diverse population, it's not as if the tennis revolution is over. When you watch tennis next, take a close look at the umpire, the person sitting in the high chair of authority at courtside. Look at the tournament referee and the tournament director, the officials who run the tournament. In those seats of power and influence, Blacks are still woefully underrepresented. Different Strokes chronicles the rise of the Williams sisters, as well as other champions of color, closely examining how Black Americans are collectively faring in tennis, on the court and offTrade Review“An important contribution to sports collections.”—Brenda Barrera, Booklist "Harris is not only knowledgeable about the sport, but that he is passionate about both the game and the issues surrounding blacks in tennis. This book will provide much needed insight into the matter of race in tennis and illustrates that while there has been much progress in that area, especially given the professional and social presence of Serena Williams, there is still much work to do to address the inequalities still in existence."—Guy Who Reviews Sports Books“Cecil Harris has written an exhaustive, multifaceted look at tennis through an African American lens. He expertly details how the sport—despite producing the remarkable Williams sisters—still faces struggles in overcoming its troubling history regarding Black folks.”—Deron Snyder, sports columnist for the Washington Times “Different Strokes is an expansive history of blacks in tennis that goes far beyond the names that we all know—Venus, Serena, Althea, and Arthur—and tells us about players on and off the court who have shaped the landscape of the sport. With an insider’s knowledge, Cecil Harris narrates a powerful story that goes up to present day, with candid behind-the-scenes anecdotes. It’s necessary reading for anyone who follows tennis and a vital addition to the chronicles of African Americans in sports.”—Nekesa Mumbi Moody, global entertainment editor for the Associated Press“As Cecil Harris takes you back in time to highlight the struggles of past players and officials, he expertly notes the struggle today is just as harsh and much more subtle as he navigates you through the topic. Harris takes the reader by the mind in teaching a well-needed lesson. When he’s done, you are surprisingly well educated on the subject, whether you realize it or not. Professor Harris gets an A+.”—Tony Paige, former sports talk show host for WFAN Radio, New YorkTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. Serena 2. Venus 3. Early Black Tennis 4. Arthur Ashe 5. Althea Gibson 6. U.S. Open Money 7. Black Umpires 8. Sloane Stephens 9. James Blake 10. Tournament Director 11. Coaches 12. Contemporary Male Players 13. Contemporary Female Players 14. Serena vs. Naomi Osaka Bibliography Index

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisOffers helpful advice for tennis players to improve their skills and their game. Presenting instruction drawn from 30 years of coaching, this title explains expert techniques in a jargon-free format.

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Book SynopsisSidney Wood won the 1931 Wimbledon title by default over Frank Shields - his school buddy, doubles partner, roommate, and Davis Cup team-mate - in one of the most curious episodes in sports history. This title tells the tale of how Shields was ordered by the US Tennis Association not to compete in the championship match.Trade Review"Even if you have never picked up a tennis racket or watched a tennis match, you will unconditionally enjoy this wonderful book about a bygone era when athletes were gentlemen first and competitors second. . . . Wood's tales of the now (and then) famous is delightful, and at times sobering." --www.hamptons.com"[Wood] is George Plimpton-esque in his marvelous prose which gives one a Great Gatsby feel to recollections of the champions he competed (very successfully) against and then observed through the modern era of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal." --www.WorldTennisMagazine.com (July 14, 2011)"The book's charm lies in the way it recreates early 20th century tennis history. . . . A rich source of stories about tennis history." -- Long Island Tennis Magazine (December 1, 2011)

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Book SynopsisPlay with Freedom...And Win More!The Best Tennis of Your Life is an inspirational and practical guide that will help players of all levels finally master the mental game. Author Jeff Greenwald draws from his unique background as a world-class player, sports psychology consultant, psychotherapist, and former coach to provides 50 specific tools you can immediately apply in any match situation.This comprehensive guide will show you how to:   • Embrace nerves and play even better under pressure   • Maintain confidence to win more consistently   • Develop a pin-point focus   • Access an ideal level of intensity   • Play with a renewed sense of passion and freedom Why wait any longer to play the best tennis of your life? Get the mental edge with this invaluable resource and watch your game soar.

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Book SynopsisA confessional story that reads like fiction, this is the true story of a famed tennis star who went from being ranked fourth in the world, dueling the sport’s greatest players to lying to police in several countries to avoid jail. Roscoe Tanner’s life is a complicated story that include years of one-night stands with groupies, a private fortune amassed and then lost, multiple failed marriages and relationships, business plans that fizzled, fleeing to Europe for a last chance, the pounding on the door by two German detectives that led to an involuntary stay in the Karlsruhe jail, and, ultimately, finding redemption. Double Fault is Tanner's story-arrests, cons, lies, and all in an attempt to share it with others to prove that when you hit bottom you can still pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep moving forward.

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Book SynopsisA celebration of the sport of tennis and a spectacle of its most electrifying event, this book brings to life the historical moments, exciting highlights, and overall emotion of the US Open. From the early years of Billie Jean King and Arthur Ashe to current players like Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, each of these household names have made their mark competing on the game's biggest stage. The pages are filled with background information for each champion, interesting tidbits from their winning years, and highlights from the past four decades. The stunning photographs allow readers to feel the enthusiasm that surrounded each champion during their journey to victory, and the accompanying US Open Court of Champions DVD features video tributes to the 15 greatest singles champions in the history of the US Open with footage never made available before.

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Book SynopsisFred Perry, three-time Wimbledon champion in the 1930s, was one of Britain's greatest sportsmen of the 20th century. His success on the hallowed Wimbledon turf went unmatched by a British man for a remarkable 77 years, until Andy Murray's triumph in 2013. Perry was the first player to hold all four Grand Slam titles, and he also played a pivotal role in Great Britain's domination of the Davis Cup in the mid-1930s. Despite his status as a global sports celebrity, Perry was criticised for his ruthless desire to win and was frequently at odds with the amateur tennis authorities of the day. In this revealing biography, award-winning historian Kevin Jefferys examines afresh the life and career of Britain's most successful tennis star. The author shows how good fortune as well as tremendous talent aided Perry's meteoric rise to the top; traces his frosty relationship with the British tennis establishment, which continued after he turned professional in 1936; and considers Perry's place among the true legends of the sport.

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Book SynopsisWimbledon's Greatest Games features 50 of the most exciting and absorbing tennis matches ever played on the All England Club's courts. Journey back in time and relive the unforgettable feats of Rod Laver, Althea Gibson, Boris Becker, John McEnroe, Billie Jean King, Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams among many others. From the roar of the crowd to the emotion of the players, the drop-shots, the volleys, the epic rallies and the double-faults, each thrilling contest comes alive as the action from the famous venue is brought to you in vivid detail. So, serve yourself a Pimm's, sit back and let Abi Smith transport you to Centre Court as you explore this comprehensive collection from the greatest tournament of all. Capturing gentlemen's, ladies' and doubles matches that have shaped the game, Wimbledon's Greatest Games is an action-packed, ace-filled guide that every SW19 fan will want to devour.

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Book SynopsisCompiled by the world’s foremost tennis historian and journalist, this book is the ultimate collection of historical tennis information, including year-by-year recaps of every tennis season and biographical sketches of every major tennis personality, as well as stats, records, and championship rolls for all of the major events. This third edition is updated with the latest history-making records and covers the recent achievements of a galaxy of stars—including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Serena Williams—without forgetting the contributions of some of the foundational names in the sport, such as Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, and Andre Agassi. Collins highlights his own personal relationships with the sport’s biggest names, offering insights into the world of professional tennis that can’t be found anywhere else.

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Book SynopsisWhen Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both shockingly exited Wimbledon in the early rounds of the 2013 championships, the level of expectation on Scotsman Andy Murray to become the first British champion of the men’s competition since 1936—already high—reached fever pitch. Overcoming a two-set deficit in the quarterfinals, Murray would go on to face world number one Novak Djokovic in the final and, after three hours filled with drama, tension, and brilliant tennis, become Wimbledon champion in front of 15,000 Centre Court fans and millions more watching on television. This fascinating and revealing biography examines how the player from Dunblane, Scotland—a country not known for its tennis heritage—rose to the top of the sport. Veteran tennis journalist Mark Hodgkinson examines the individuals who have influenced Murray’s career, including his family, his coaches, and his girlfriend, and assesses how the Scot has won over a dubious and critical public. This biography gets to the heart of Andy Murray’s extraordinary and dramatic journey.

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Book SynopsisEnriching and motivational stories about those who love and participate in tennis over the age of 50. This is a volume of senior tennis through the stories and experiences of senior tennis players, from Gardnar Mulloy and Betty Eisenstien and Mayor David Dinkins to unknowns such as Chuck Niemeth.

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Book SynopsisAbsolute Tennis is thorough and comprehensive guide to improving your tennis. In this insightful and visually engaging book, Marty Smith, an NCAA Division I Southern Conference Champion and long-time Director of Tennis at the New York Athletic Club, shares his extensive knowledge of tennis technique, strategy, psychology and fitness in easy to understand language. His meticulous explanations of the strokes, coupled with narrated individual and sequenced photos of the world's best players, will help you develop powerful and consistent swings, play with more confidence and win a lot more. A forward thinker, Smith not only discusses the strokes of today, but also the future. Marty goes through the evolution of the game, and makes a compelling and persuasive case for three unconventional strokes that may become accepted techniques as the game continues to evolve and become faster. Recognizing that tennis is a highly athletic, tactical, and mental game, he also dedicates a large part of the book to the body, singles and doubles strategy and the mind. You will learn how to improve your footwork and movement, integrate winning game plans that highlight your strengths and expose your opponents' weaknesses, and use your inner voice to remain focused, positive and energetic, helping you attain peak performance.

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Book SynopsisThe storied men’s tennis program at the University of Southern California is documented in this first-ever book chronicling a college tennis program. Featuring interviews and anecdotes from Trojan tennis legends such as Alex Olmedo, Stan Smith, Dennis Ralston, Bob Lutz, Rick Leach, and Stevie Johnson as well as legendary coaches George Toley, Dick Leach and Peter Smith. This book is organized chronologically, taking readers from the early decades following the founding of the program in 1898 through the final match of the 2016-2017 season. While the progress of the team is central, readers will be fascinated by the biographical details of the key figures in each time period, which are enhanced by extensive footnotes drawing from archival materials, including personal letters, scrapbooks, published news stories, and original interviews.

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Book SynopsisThis book tells the story of one of Argentina’s greatest tennis players, the most important of his generation. After winning the 2009 U.S. Open, defeating Roger Federer in a glorious five-set final, del Potro was poised to take over the tennis world. However, wrist problems developed and del Potro endured three surgeries over fifteen months. One of the world's most popular players, del Potro's fan base grew as he made his comeback—watching him win his second Olympic medal in Rio in 2016, where he once lost to Andy Murray, but won the hearts of millions around the world. He followed up by leading Argentina to victory in the Davis Cup. Described as the "Gentle Giant," del Potro has the sensitivity to comfort a ball girl hit during a match, to stop in the middle of the game to gaze at a butterfly, and to accompany a young fan in the last days of his life. However, when he grips the racket, he becomes one of the most destructive strikers of a tennis ball.

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