Tennis legend Fred Stolle passed away last week at the age of 86. The Australian won two Grand Slam singles titles and many others in men’s doubles. Stolle was a key figure in the golden days of Australia’s Davis Cup dominance and was known for his powerful serve and net play. After he retired from competitive tennis, he was a respected coach and broadcaster. In addition to his on-court accomplishments and shaping the future generation of tennis players, Stolle was also known for his warm personality, sharp wit, and sociable nature.
In 1985, Stolle published Tennis Down Under in collaboration with Kenneth Wydro. The book offers a fascinating insight into the rich history and culture of Australian tennis. Through this memoir chronicling his own playing experience, Stolle explores Australia’s deep tennis traditions, legendary players, and the factors that contributed to that country’s dominance in the sport. With engaging anecdotes and the analysis of an insider, the book provides valuable perspective on the game’s evolution. It is a must-read for tennis enthusiasts and sports historians alike.
Each chapter traces a distinct phase of Stolle’s journey in tennis. When describing his early involvement with the sport, he highlights how tennis in Australia was deeply ingrained in the culture of the everyday person. He describes how the game thrived on public courts, with young players honing their skills in austere settings rather than exclusive country clubs. Stolle argues that the accessibility of tennis was a key factor in Australia’s astonishing production of world-class players during that era. Raw talent and determination mattered more than social status in an environment where everybody had the opportunity to play.
Stolle also shares a wide-eyed enthusiasm for international travel, which tennis made possible for him. He describes experiencing new cultures as being brighter and more vibrant, his struggles with foreign languages, and learning how to stretch his stipends to make ends meet while using unfamiliar currencies. Stolle describes how desperate the Australian players were to win when their funds were low. Subsisting on stipends and travel allowances made for a meager existence during the amateur days of international competition.
Individual decisions to turn professional before the dawn of the open era of tennis are always compelling. Stolle describes the disappointment of Australian coach Harry Hopman, who raised the Australian players to believe that tennis should be played under the sun. He found that professional tennis created empty days followed by winner-take-all nights. Stolle provides one of the starkest and potentially most accurate portrayals of what it was like to play professional tennis during those times.
Tennis Down Under is more than just a memoir. It is a window into the golden era of Australian tennis by one of the key players who helped shape it. Stolle’s firsthand perspective, combined with his sharp insight and engaging narrative style, makes this book an essential read for tennis fans, sports historians, and anyone fascinated by the evolution of the game.
Tennis Down Under by Fred Stolle (<- Sponsored Link)
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