The Tennis Book [antikvár]

FOREWORD BY TIM HENMAN A definitive book on tennis is always welcome, even more so when its origins can be traced back to John Parsons, the former tennis correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. 'JP', as I and the whole tennis world knew him. lived for the sport and it was a sad day indeed when he suddenly passed away in Miami, Florida in April of 2004. His dream was to see a home grown player win Wimbledon and bring to an end that widening gap of years since Fred Perry last lifted the golden trophy and I was always aware that he believed I could be that player. And believe me, I tried! I would like to think that I helped British tennis to be in its strongest position for a number of years and I don't doubt that Andy Murray will go on challenge the very best in the sport for a Grand Slam title over the next five years. Players themselves provide the backbone of the sport as readers will discover going through these pages. Many may not realise the depth which exists within the sport these days. and the history and traditions which have been established over a century of activity. The ups and downs of the great tournaments, the evolution of the rules themselves and the commercialism which now prevails, are all covered in this excellent book. The historical element is of particular appeal, especially the great players and the great matches. Needless to say, that great modern day confrontation between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the 2008 Wimbledon Championships, features strongly. ' JP' himself, is sorely missed, especially at all of the Grand Slams and majors which ruled his travels, if not his life. However, his reports and books will often be referred to and in that way, with this contribution he has left a valuable legacy which the sport can be extremely thankful for. The Tennis Book, updated for a second time by his tennis writing colleague Henry Wancke, is well resourced and informative, just as he would have wanted. You should enjoy it as much as I have.