Neale Fraser, one of the most iconic players of the golden age of Australian tennis passed away at the age of 91 last month. Even before that news broke, his memoir was slated for review during this first week of the Australian Open. Fraser won three Grand Slam singles titles and an impressive array of doubles championships. He was a key figure during Australia’s dominance of Davis Cup play in the 1950s and 1960s. Additionally, Fraser’s contributions to the Australian Davis Cup team extended well beyond his playing days as he served as the team captain once he retired from playing competition.
Before the Open Era of tennis began, amateur players faced limited opportunities to earn a living solely off their racquets. One way players could generate income was by writing personal memoirs. Additionally, many created instructional books with advice targeted at casual recreational players. Neale Fraser’s Power Tennis is a prime example of both genres. This book allowed Fraser to leverage his notoriety by sharing what it was like to compete with and rub elbows with the other famous players of his time. As a bonus, the final chapter in the book is a collection of hints for tennis beginners.
Many tennis memoirs of this era include amusing or salacious anecdotes about the author’s fellow players. While Fraser occasionally ventures into that territory, his stories are relatively tame. He focuses more on camaraderie than scandal or gossip. The closest Power Tennis comes to controversy is its revelations about some of the more contentious decisions surrounding the Australian Davis Cup team’s roster and lineup selections. Fraser sheds light on the politics and personalities that shaped key decisions. In doing so, he pulls back the curtain on the occasional tensions between team captains and the national tennis organization in Australia. It is a valuable and perceptive behind-the-scenes perspective.
As evidenced by the fact that Harry Hopman penned the forward to this book, Fraser shared a close working relationship with the venerable Australian Davis Cup captain. Consequently, Power Tennis provides a detailed and highly favorable portrayal of Hopman. When Fraser eventually stepped into the captain’s role, he continued Hopman’s emphasis on discipline and fitness. Through anecdotes and reflections, Fraser pays tribute to Hopman’s influence, highlighting and emulating the leadership qualities that cemented the enduring legacy of both men in Australian tennis.
Neale Fraser was among the elite players who had opportunities to turn professional during the years leading up to the Open Era, yet he chose not to take that path. While many of his contemporaries were drawn to the financial opportunities offered on the professional circuit, Fraser remained steadfast in his commitment to amateur tennis. Consequently, Fraser’s memoir holds particular value, offering a rare perspective from one of the few top players of his time who declined the allure of professional money. His reflections provide unique insights into the challenges, values, and motivations of an era when tennis was on the cusp of a significant transformation.
Power Tennis is a thoughtful reflection on the golden age of tennis that illuminates the values that defined Neale Fraser’s illustrious career. Through his disciplined approach to the game, reverence for the Davis Cup, and candid insights into the politics and personalities of Australian tennis, this memoir offers a fascinating glimpse into the sport during a pivotal era. Fraser’s personal choices and experiences provide a window into a time when tennis was driven by passion and pride rather than prize money. Power Tennis is highly recommended for tennis enthusiasts and historians.
Power Tennis (<- Sponsored Link)
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