Belief in shortcuts is deeply ingrained in human nature. We all want to believe there is an easy way to make rapid progress. This is particularly true of tennis players who seem to be irresistibly drawn to tips, tricks, and so-called “secrets” of the game. Quite a few books, as well as a plethora of internet tennis instruction, promises a fast path to better technique or competitive mastery. Each of those resources gives me mixed emotions of hope and skepticism. While I want to believe that a simple adjustment or hidden insight will unlock greater potential overnight, I know that true mastery is only forged through relentless hard work. While a tennis tip can be valuable, there is no magic formula for immediate success.
Such is the case with Game, Set and Match: Secret Weapons of the World’s Top Tennis Players by Mark Hodgkinson. The respected sports journalist leveraged direct access to some of the biggest stars in the game to collect and share a collection of tips for elevating tennis performance. This book offers readers insight into what elite players believe propelled them to the top of the sport. The question is whether the pros actually know what sets them apart or if they are truly forthcoming with the information that might also benefit a competitor.
While each tip is credible in isolation, contradictions are immediately apparent when the book is examined as a whole. For example, one player extolls the virtue of investing a lot of time hitting serves, yet the very next piece of advice from another competitor cautions against spending much time on that shot. Additionally, some recommendations are situational and might not apply to all players. A very tall male player recommended that players look over the net directly to the spot in the service box where they want the serve to land. At 5’6″, that isn’t physically possible for me. To be fair, if I were tall enough to pound my serve straight down into the service box, I would certainly try to do that.
Despite those inconsistencies, I really liked the book because it delivers a rich source of inspiration for potential future posts. Each chapter focuses on different elements of elite tennis performance, from the power and precision of strokes to the psychology behind winning under pressure. The blend of anecdotal storytelling and technical breakdowns keeps the book engaging. If you like to overthink the finer details of tennis, this is the book for you.
While the book covers many players and techniques, the short vignettes don’t provide much depth. So, while the book provides a broad swath of advice on what to do, it is woefully short on the how. On the other hand, this is probably the only resource in the world where you will find tennis technique, sibling rivalry, and tennis fashion advice in one location. Remember, tennis mastery is a journey rather than a destination.
Game, Set and Match is a must-read for tennis enthusiasts who seek insight into the tools and techniques used by some of the sport’s top competitors. The sheer star power and engaging writing makes it an insightful and enjoyable read. Whether you’re a player looking for inspiration or a fan eager to learn more about what makes champions tick, there will be something in this book for you.
Game, Set and Match: Secret Weapons of the World’s Top Tennis Players (<- Sponsored Link)
Fiend At Court participates in the Amazon associates program and receives a paid commission on any purchases made via the links in this article. Details on the disposition of proceeds are available on the “About Fiend at Court” page.
