Tennis Hits the Books
I don’t think it is unreasonable to stake the claim that the Fiend at Court has independently reviewed more tennis books over the last two years than any other site. That being said, there were quite a few notable titles first published this year that I never got around to reading. (So many books, so little time.) Today I am sharing books from 2021 that are in personal reading queue that I plan to get around to covering… eventually.
 | Roger Federer: The Biography There were a lot of books published on Roger Federer this year. This is one of the two notable biographies that were at the top of my priority list. Both were products of established and highly respected members of the tennis media. I whiffed on this offering from Rene Stauffer, a long running Swiss tennis writer. (The other biography that I read and reviewed is from New York Times writer Christopher Clarey, The Master: The Long Run and Beautiful Game of Roger Federer) |
 | Footsteps of Federer: A Fan’s Pilgrimage Across 7 Swiss Cantons in 10 Acts This book is probably best categorized as a Federer centric travelogue. Essentially it is an examination of life framed through the lens of the tennis icon. I personally enjoy this genre, which is what landed this book in my queue. (I reviewed a similar book that was published this year, Federer and Me: A Story of Obsession by William Skidelsky.) |
 | Transcendence: Diary of a Tennis Addict Long time readers of this site may recall that I tend to shy away from autobiographies of active tennis players. This book is an exception to the rule for two reasons. First, I low key love to watch Alize Cornet play because she is so expressive on the court and I find her matches to be very entertaining. Second, I have also heard very positive things about this book from the handful of people who seem to have actually read it. |
 | The Golden Boy of Centre Court: How Bjorn Borg Conquered Wimbledon Borg remains one of the most iconic and enigmatic figures in the history of the sport. My interest is high, but it lags on the list because I have no sense of urgency on the topic. Additionally, this is the kind of book that is likely to fall into my lap if I wait long enough. I really want to read it, but am in no rush to purchase it. |
 | The History of Tennis: Legendary Champions. Magical Moments. When I launched this site I would have told you that I am not particularly interested in the history of the sport. As the second year comes to a close I have come to the realization that I was wrong. This genre has become obligatory for me. |
 | Tennis: A History from American Amateurs to Global Professionals (Sport and Society Book 1) Another history book. I already own a copy and will probably get around to it early next year. |
 | Look at All that Room Above the Net: Wit and Wisdom from a Lifetime in Tennis This book hasn’t received much attention from the tennis publishing industry. It is a memoir by a lifetime teaching professional in Florida. I am interested in what he has to say and willing to take the flyer. |
 | The Fein Points of Tennis A late addition to the list. Paul Fein is an avid supporter of the National Women’s Tennis Organization which means that many of my playing circle know him personally and speak highly of this book. It somehow escaped my radar until a couple of weeks ago, but it is the kind of book that I normally embrace. |
