Why (Tennis) Books

I suspect that many tennis players frequently use search engines to locate the answers to their tennis questions. I have to admit that it is always going to be faster to consult the internet for tennis information as opposed to reading a book. That statement is true even when there is an ebook available for instant download. However, I firmly believe that tennis players who never read books about the sport are stunting their own tennis development.

This first weekend of May, I am writing about one of the “12 Gifts” you can bestow upon yourself to improve your tennis life. The gift for May is to read a book about tennis. Yesterday I highlighted a book about a controversial match played at Wimbledon as the world teetered on the brink of World War II. That book provides valuable historical context for understanding and considering the complexities facing the international tennis community over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. That topic is firmly in the “off-court” category.

I have almost a mystical respect for books. Every nonfiction title contains a carefully curated collection of information on a particular subject. The author is someone who is informed and passionate enough about the topic to put in the considerable effort to get the book written and published. Every piece of information included is in there for a purpose.

I think of a book in the same artistic vein as a chef-created multiple course meal. Every item that is served is a part of an artistic creation by the chef. Each ingredient is intended to enhance the entire meal. While a diner can certainly eat only parts of what they are served, doing that diminishes the overall experience. It is likely not as nutritionally sound either.

Cherry picking tennis information off the internet based on narrow informational interests can never be as intellectually fulfilling as consuming that information in long form. Sure, you might find five quick tips for fixing your service toss. However, the actual root issue might be something more foundational elsewhere in the kinetic chain for that shot. It is so easy to miss the big picture.

Books force us to open our minds and broaden our perspectives. Making an intentional effort to consume a tennis book on strategy or tactics this year will probably make you a better player. Consuming a book on tennis history will help you better understand the place of our sport in the context of world events.

I love books. I love tennis books. I wish more of the world shared that passion.