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David Linebarger’s Tennis Players as Works of Art is billed as a collection that will transform the reader’s understanding of tennis and reveal the sport as a canvas where athleticism and creativity converge in unexpected and profound ways. This book is an opportunity to experience tennis through Linebarger’s perspective as both a Professor of Humanities and as a nationally ranked senior tennis player. He draws on art, literature, music, religion, and mythology, all of which combine to create a compelling narrative of tennis as an art form.

Tennis Players as Works of Art is a curated collection of artwork of tennis players throughout history. Each image is punctuated by a short narrative that adds an enriching layer to the experience. Each interpretation of the artistic dimensions of tennis brings new insights. It illustrates the sport’s capacity to inspire and transcend its traditional boundaries. The pieces range from lyrical and meditative to surprising and unconventional. It reflects the multifaceted nature of the game and its players. I think this is the rare tennis book that will resonate not only with enthusiasts of the sport but also with art lovers and cultural critics. I should add that I feel entirely out of my element when reviewing this work.

While this book captures images of the iconic players of the modern era, it also revisits some unexpected key figures who shaped tennis and brings those topics full circle back to books I have reviewed on this site. For example, the visual and textual portrait of Gladys Heldman was inspired by the book “Driven: A Daughter’s Odyssey” by Julie Heldman. Similarly, Jelena Dokic’s eyes are the focal mirror of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, as described in her memoir “Unbreakable.” By highlighting influential yet sometimes overlooked pioneers of the sport, Linebarger broadens the narrative to celebrate not only the artistry of the players but also the contributions of those who redefined the sport’s cultural and historical landscape. It highlights the diversity and depth of tennis’s unique forms of expression.

One of the book’s most striking qualities is its ability to shape the reader’s perception of tennis. By framing the sport as a work of art, Linebarger elevates its cultural significance, inviting viewers to appreciate tennis’s athleticism, strategy, and aesthetics in a new light. The narrative doesn’t just celebrate the players—it also celebrates the spectators’ role in interpreting and valuing these moments of brilliance. In doing so, Tennis Players as Works of Art becomes a dialogue between the creator and the observer, enriching the experience of both.

While the book celebrates tennis’s artistic qualities, it also considers broader themes. Linebarger’s insights touch on the nature of beauty, the role of individuality in creative expression, and the cultural significance of sports as a unifying force. These themes make the book a compelling read for tennis fans and a meaningful contribution to the broader conversation about the intersection of sports and humanities.

Tennis Players as Works of Art is a unique and inspiring work that redefines how we think about tennis and its place in culture. David Linebarger’s blend of expertise and passion makes this book a must-read experience for anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation of the sport. This book will leave you with a newfound appreciation for tennis as a profound form of human expression.

Tennis Players as Works of Art

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