I thought this might be a topic others might contribute to.
I am sure many of us enjoy tennis books. Im always keen for a good recommendation so I thought this might be a thread some people could note down and recommend books theyve read for others.
I took delivery today of a book called Bjorn Borg and the Super Swedes: Stefan Edberg, Mats Wilander and the Golden Era of Tennis - it is by Mats Holm and Ulf Roosvald , and is about the rise of Swedish mens tennis in the 70s through the 80s , what caused it, the players and events involved. Ive not started it yet but am quite excited by it.
other books Ive enjoyed include Open Tennis by Richard Evans which charts the start of mens open tennis from 1968 through to the formation of the ATP Tour in the late 80s. Richard Evans biographies of John McEnroe are also fascinating reading.
A book I loved was Break Point, the secret diary of a pro tennis player by Vince Spadea, the American who went on a record run of losses on the tour and charts the year he had as he desperately sought wins.
closer to home, Greg Howe was on this board and wrote a really good book called Chasing Points were he charted his journey onto the lower reaches of the ITF Tour and his efforts to gain a world ranking point and success. Howe used this board as a reference point and referred to us as Aficianados.
JonH comes home wrote:A book I loved was Break Point, the secret diary of a pro tennis player by Vince Spadea, the American who went on a record run of losses on the tour and charts the year he had as he desperately sought wins.
But somehow, after 22 matches without a win, overcame "Jet Ski" (Clare Balding's nickname for Greg Rusedski) in five sets in the first round at Wimbledon 24 years ago...
JonH comes home wrote:A book I loved was Break Point, the secret diary of a pro tennis player by Vince Spadea, the American who went on a record run of losses on the tour and charts the year he had as he desperately sought wins.
But somehow, after 22 matches without a win, overcame "Jet Ski" (Clare Balding's nickname for Greg Rusedski) in five sets in the first round at Wimbledon 24 years ago...
Indeed he did. I recall from the book he was mates with Tim H as well as Serena and Venus. So Tim was orobably happy with that!
I read Brad Gilberts Winning Ughly in the hope of elevating my game Not sure it helped, but was an interesting insight into some of the psychology of the game.
Also read Howes Chasing Points, which I enjoyed. The biographies of Andy Murray, Rafa and Andre Agassi- I found Agassis relationship with tennis and his father a little sad.
Has anyone read The Art of Tennis War:How To Go From Average Joes to Touring Pro by Jonathan Morgan? Recently came across this on Amazon, but no reviews.
I read Brad Gilberts Winning Ughly in the hope of elevating my game Not sure it helped, but was an interesting insight into some of the psychology of the game.
Also read Howes Chasing Points, which I enjoyed. The biographies of Andy Murray, Rafa and Andre Agassi- I found Agassis relationship with tennis and his father a little sad.
Has anyone read The Art of Tennis War:How To Go From Average Joes to Touring Pro by Jonathan Morgan? Recently came across this on Amazon, but no reviews.
Or watched the video 50,000 balls?
Thanks EP- Ill take a look at this. Ive not read Andy or Rafa biogs, for me I dont like reading current or recent players. I enjoyed Agassis , interesting insights to his mind set for sure. I remember reading that A-Rod had a really good auto biography as well, although havent round to reading it
"Level's of the Game", John McPhee, "On Being John McEnroe", Tim Adams, "A Handful of Summers" & "Too Soon to Panic" Gordon Forbes
Thanks mgflyfish- Ive read a handful of summers by Gordon Forbes, that is excellent! Didnt know he has a second book; Ill look those recommendations up,
Read this a long time ago but remember it being entertaining and humorous, distinctly remember reading about him seeing a faith healer for an injury whilst on tour! :
A book arguably in the mould of Gregory Howe's Chasing points, the thoughts of the former Irish player, Conor Niland: The racket, on tour with tennis's golden generation - and the other 99%. An extract appeared in The Sunday Times last weekend &, as I'd found myself spending more time perusing the actual paper during my enforced absence from cyber-circulation instead of just picking & choosing the odd article on-line + readers' comments, I actually did read it. It's published today & may be worth a look. He was definitely a cut above Rob Dee...
A book arguably in the mould of Gregory Howe's Chasing points, the thoughts of the former Irish player, Conor Niland: The racket, on tour with tennis's golden generation - and the other 99%. An extract appeared in The Sunday Times last weekend &, as I'd found myself spending more time perusing the actual paper during my enforced absence from cyber-circulation instead of just picking & choosing the odd article on-line + readers' comments, I actually did read it. It's published today & may be worth a look. He was definitely a cut above Rob Dee...
Fab, I would like that for sure, I will look it up!
My Swedish tennis Gods book I mentioned at the top of this thread was excellent, well worth a read if you like the Borg, Wilander, Edberg eras