Once again, we find ourselves in a portion of the tennis calendar year labeled by many as the "dead season" in the world of tennis. A season where there are no Grand Slam tournaments in sight, no Masters Series tournaments since the last Grand Slam, no Tier 1 tournaments on the women's side.
If Davis Cup is the major happening in the tennis world in a span of two or three weeks, considering where Davis Cup stands in the echelon of importance, even the hardcore tennis fan is very likely to be a little bored.
Well, I have a suggestion for those whom I just described: pickup a tennis book. Tennis books are secret gems that most tennis fans ignore or choose to ignore. It's true that they don't often make the top-seller list, but then again, tennis books are not appealing to the masses like the diet books, or books that supposedly give you the secret to being a millionaire in the blink of an eye.
So I have decided to share my views on a few books that I have read. There are plenty more out there, and I have not read everything myself, either. For example, this weekend, I will begin reading Frank Deford's book on Bill Tilden's biography. Now here are my brief thoughts on some books that are already out:
1) McEnroe's "You Cannot Be Serious"
Being a huge fan of John McEnroe as a commentator, and enjoying his candidness on the tube, I picked up this book with very high hopes. Although it was entertaining and humorous at times, I was disappointed with the "candidness" factor.
Obviously, Mac is still in the business of tennis and did not want to get in the business of burning bridges. Hence, his biggest strength, which is to speak his mind, is displayed only in spurts. Plainly put, he holds back throughout the book. He stays away from negative thoughts on many of today's players, merely mentions the world of drugs that existed in full force in the 1980s. He does not touch the subject of his thoughts on women's tennis (so, Mac, can Serena beat the number 100 ATP player in the world, hmm?).
He even holds back on his thoughts on some of the older players, such as Ivan Lendl whom the world knows he hated with every fiber in his body. Also, as the pages turn, some might find that he had excuses for every failure in his career. Whether it's an injury, or his marriage woes, or something else, you rarely find McEnroe admitting defeat in any matches, tournaments because the guy on the other side of the net played well.
Nevertheless, McEnroe keeps the book flowing through great insight on the general state of tennis, lots of humor and light-hearted views on tournaments and agents in the business. But the biggest plus about this book remains that it is an incredibly "easy-read" without any complicated idioms, words, or expressions. He also has an interesting list at the end of his top music moments and things he would do to improve the world of tennis.
2) "Venus Envy" by Jon Wertheim
Jon Wertheim is an acclaimed tennis columnist for Sports Illustrated and has a stellar career. Hence the book is very well written as he describes the year 2000 in the world of women's tennis. The title reflects Venus Williams breakthrough year in which she captured both Wimbledon and U.S. Open. If all the juicy stuff that happens outside the lines in the WTA Tour interests you, this is a must read.
You will read about the locker room gossips regarding all your favorite characters including Anna Kournikova, Jennifer Capriati, Moica Seles, Martina Hingis, and the Williams sisters.
The main problem with this book is that unlike McEnroe's book, it is not an easy read. Wertheim possesses a rich vocabulary and makes every effort to utilize this quality to the maximum. However, this may stop some readers from turning the pages if those readers are simply looking for a relaxing book to read without having to figure out how a certain metaphor applies to the tennis world, or carrying a dictionary along with this book.
3) "Les Dessous du Tennis Feminin" by Nathalie Tauziat
Well, I had to include this book in my short list for this article, because it is my second favorite book ever. Tauziat, in fact, got in trouble with the French Tennis Federation for some of the comments written in this book. One comment for FTF: the truth hurts!
This is a very candid book, about how Tauziat was the best French player for a long time, but never really got "the treatment" (as Lendl would say) that she deserves, because of her looks her lack of media popularity. She also talks in detail about what a player goes through during her professional years in terms of practice schedule, sponsors, and tournament travel.
Unfortunately, there is a big problem with this book, for most American readers:it is in French! But if you happen to know the language, or learn it one day, I guarantee you that this book will be on the top of your list, as well.
4) "Uncovered" by Pat Cash
Well, folks, if you have not read any tennis books, and after reading this article you decide to get into it, do not read this book first, because all other books will pale in comparison, period.
Pat Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon champion from Australia, scores 10 out of 10 in my opinion with this "uncovered" look at his career and the tennis world. The title fits the book perfectly. Cash openly discusses his ups and downs with his career and unlike McEnroe, makes no excuses for his slumps, takes the blame for his failure at his first marriage, admits to doing drugs and even skipping a drug test, and admits to going to extreme methods for healing his injuries in fascinatingly well-written chapters.
Also unlike McEnroe, Cash makes no secret of his disgust for people he never liked. He is gutsy as he criticizes John Newcombe to the fullest (which is equivalent to an Alabamian criticizing Bear Bryant), he goes as far as calling Lendl a racist and stands behind it with examples, and gives his honest opinion on prize money issues which may offend some female readers.
Whether you agree with him or not, this book is a great read and it is just what it is: an "Uncovered" look at Pat Cash.
Until next time, everyone, pick up a tennis book and have a good time.
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