Tennis has long been an ideal subject of literature, drawing in protagonists who are obsessed and moody. Tennis stands apart as an individualistic activity; participants cannot speak during matches which only adds to its aura of mystery.
Skidelsky and Wilson are two literary journalists renowned for their entertaining essays on sports. For any fan, these books should be required reading.
History of the Game
These captivating books capture the raw emotions and tactical insights that define tennis legends – from epic rivalries to intimate reflections. Step off the court and into these pages where its pulse rhythmically serves and volleys.
As tennis blossomed into a global phenomenon, it was often considered an elegant pastime. The first mention of tennis in literature dates back to 12th century when it was described as an ecclesiastical activity and one priest was even punished by their bishop for skipping evensong to play jeu de paume (jeux de paume). With private courts becoming common and professional play emerging during 17th century play a more violent side emerged which soon spread throughout society.
While it’s rare for tennis players to author autobiographies, former stars have taken advantage of their newfound freedom by providing readers with insightful and sometimes heartbreaking literary offerings. Andre Agassi’s “Open” is an unflinching exploration of his complex relationship with tennis as well as his many personal struggles and demons, while John McEnroe’s “Serious But Serious” provides readers with an account of the game’s greatest rivalry.
Nonfiction about tennis abounds. “String Theory,” an anthology of essays curated by David Foster Wallace and other talented writers, showcases many talented pieces on its pages; for instance “Derivative Sport at Tornado Alley,” David’s autobiographical exploration of his love for the game as a child and subsequent transition to writing and mathematics is included herein.
Other non-fiction tennis books include Peter Wright’s straightforward guide for players titled The Science of Winning and Arthur Ashe’s final year memoir Days of Grace by his daughter Grace Ashe. John McPhee wrote Levels of the Game as a point-by-point account of an Ashe-Graebner match from 1968, recounting each point from start to finish.
David Foster Wallace discusses in “String Theory” how, as a teenaged tennis player, competition with friends could feel like an operatic swansong, with every stroke offering an unwitting display of self-torture. Though not quite direct enough or earnest enough to directly compare grooming processes of teen tennis to paedophilia, both Wallace and Nabokov demonstrate how court tennis’ fetishized violence reveals larger cultures of sexual lust and degradation.
Techniques
Tennis has inspired numerous authors to write literary pieces about it. It can be approached from many angles and will likely captivate all types of readers – from practical advice for players to literary celebrations of tennis itself – with numerous books available on this topic; all it takes is finding the appropriate book based on your interests and level of play!
This book serves as an ideal starting point for those new to tennis, outlining how to enhance your game through focused practice and deliberate training. Drawing upon his professional tennis player experience and current research into sports psychology and performance enhancement, its author presents a simple step-by-step plan to success.
In this novel, the protagonist is an individual with an unusual past who finds himself torn between two competing parts of his life: playing tennis professionally as a child and his current occupation as a lawyer. The plot revolves around their attempts at reconciling these seemingly conflicting elements of their existence; serving both as an exploration of human psychology as well as portraiture of tennis itself.
This book addresses the mental side of tennis and provides readers with guidance for managing emotions on court. Drawing upon his extensive experience as a world-class tennis player, sports psychology consultant, psychotherapist and former coach to craft this insightful guide on improving one’s mental game.
Roger Federer’s winning topspin lob at Wimbledon 2008 was both brilliant and fictional; it captured readers’ imaginations like no other literary work could. It created an irresistibly compelling piece of narrative as real as any book such as Infinite Jest or Lolita.
In this enjoyable collection of stories about tennis, the authors take us through some of its most significant courts and tournaments while also introducing us to some of its legendary players. Their tales will no doubt spark interest in this wonderful sport and maybe even spark up a desire to pick up a racket themselves!
Mental Preparation
Tennis is an intricate sport that demands both physical and intangible attributes from its participants, including focus, emotional control and strategic acumen. Books on mental preparation can help players of all skill levels manage their emotions while staying focused on the task at hand and building positive mindsets.
Billie Jean King called The Inner Game of Tennisalitat this classic guide “the best book on tennis I have ever read.” Gallwey explores the psychological dimensions of tennis, providing techniques for overcoming self-doubt and maintaining healthy mind/body balance while cultivating positive attitudes. Drawing upon Zen thinking and humanistic psychology principles he creates an in-depth manual for mastering this sport.
Routine can often go unsung but plays an integral part of mental preparedness. From Rafael Nadal’s intricate pre-serve routine to Serena Williams bouncing the ball five times before her first serve, these rituals help players center themselves, increase concentration, and decrease anxiety levels.
McPhee’s riveting account of two world-class players’ tumultuous relationship is a fascinating and insightful study into human drama that takes place both on and off the court, providing a vivid account of contrasting personalities, their egos, ambitions, and ambitions as well as providing a glimpse into competitive athleticism’s darker corners.
The Wimbledon Championships began as an innocent Victorian summer pastime, yet has evolved into one of the world’s premier sporting events. Author John Barrett provides an in-depth history of this tournament from its inception up until today – decade by decade – discussing major developments within its game as well as any controversies which have plagued its longstanding existence.
When selecting a tennis book, keep your interests, level of expertise, and desired tips in mind when selecting one. In addition to author writing style (some more explanatory while others more humorous), online reviews and testimonials provide an accurate picture of its quality – plus your selection could have an immediate effect on the quality of your game! Finally, do keep in mind that selecting an appropriate book could have significant ramifications on its quality and your game.
Strategy and Tactics
Books on tennis strategy can assist players in planning out and executing with precision their play, whether during practice or competition. These books focus on tactics such as using angles, speeds and distance to gain advantage over an opponent and can cover tactics for handling pressure and adversity, using mental strategies to overcome weakness and improving physical fitness.
Authors come in all forms, from deep and technical to lighthearted and humorous. Your choice of book should reflect both your personal interests and what type of reading material most appeals to you – for instance, books written by former professional players may provide more specific tips while memoirs may make for entertaining reads for casual readers.
Are You Into Tennis as an Art Form? David Foster Wallace’s “String Theory” offers an invaluable collection of essays about this timeless art form, exploring its beauty and complexity from both a competitor’s insight and fan’s passion. Wallace explores Roger Federer’s otherworldly genius, Tracy Austin’s memoir and its resistance to commerce within its essays – just some examples!
“Tennis in Love” will captivate fans of romance and comedy alike. A middle-ranked professional player named Willy Novinsky meets her match in Eric Oberdorf when they meet playing pick-up tennis in Manhattan’s Riverside Park – soon afterwards they begin an unexpected romantic relationship characterized by friendly rivalry and pursue their dreams amid a high-pressure environment where careers can quickly grow or wither away at an instant’s notice.
Strikes of Genius unveils the subtleties of tennis by following a stroke-by-stroke narrative of the 2008 Wimbledon final between Federer and Nadal – often considered the greatest match ever played – stroke by stroke. An engaging look into competitive sports psychology, Strikes of Genius provides a captivating story about raw emotions and unbreakable spirits that define its legends; additionally it explores their disparate styles and personas.