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The History of Tennis

Legendary Champions. Magical Moments.

Author Richard Evans

Hardcover

$55.00 US

Rizzoli

8.18"W x 10.15"H x 1.16"D | 55 oz | 8 per carton

On sale Mar 16, 2021 | 336 Pages | 9780847869879

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All the passion, drama, and beauty of tennis is captured in this most up-to-date comprehensive history--from its early beginnings as a sport, the greatest matches ever played, to its global star players and personalities of present day. This volume is a must-read for tennis aficionados.

Tennis, the much-loved sport, is a game for the ages dating back to sixteenth-century royal court matches played by King Henry VIII. History of Tennis captures the sport's long history, never short of theatrics, rivalries, power plays, political controversies, and inspiring personal stories.

Beautiful historic and contemporary images of gripping matches like the unforgettable Bjorn Borg versus John McEnroe tiebreak match in 1980, to behind-the-scenes moments with tennis legends, and never-before-seen shots, grace each page accompanied by Richard Evans's intriguing stories and unique insight detailing the evolution of this majestic sport by decade. Starting as a European royal pastime and gaining popularity in England and France, the sport made its way to America in the late 1870s as the new game of lawn tennis, creating along the centuries legendary tennis superstars such as Bill Tilden, Suzanne Lenglen and the Four Musketeers, Fred Perry, Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, and Steffi Graf. Now one of the most highly watched sports globally with top-billing icons like Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Naomi Osaka, there is no stopping the power of this allenthralling game. This is a must-have volume for lifelong
fans and those intrigued by the sporting theater and grand culture of tennis.

"...the book breaks down the history by decade, with special chapters devoted to such subjects as the birth of WTA and the Williams sisters. The rich text is only matched by the 500 color and black-and-white photographs that illustrate the 375 pages. It’s a worthy addition to any tennis fan’s bookshelf." —TENNIS MAGAZINE

"Renowned sports journalist Richard Evans nets the evolving story of court tennis and then lawn tennis in all its myriad glory in The History of Tennis. The must-read for tennis aficionados captures all the passion, drama and beauty of tennis in this most up-to-date comprehensive history." —NATIONAL EXAMINER

"Tennis journalist Richard Evans re-creates the magic of the sport with this comprehensive and beautifully illustrated history." —AIRMAIL.COM

"Richard Evans’ The History of Tennis: Legendary Champions, Magical Moments offers a comprehensive history of tennis from the birth of the sport through to the major matches and top players of the present day. Packed full of facts, figures, and glossy photographs capturing key events and personalities associated with the game, the book is sure to appeal to both die-hard tennis fans and those interested in learning a bit more about the sport." —CITY BOOK REVIEW

"Richard Evans’ lavishly illustrated 'The History of Tennis: Legendary Champions, Magical Moments' salutes more than a century of them. While the English writer focuses on Wimbledon, singles matches, and hometown heroes, his book also celebrates American heroes." —NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Richard Evans has covered tennis as a sports journalist since the 1960s, reporting on more than 204 Grand Slams. He is the author of twenty books, including the official history of the Davis Cup and the unofficial history of the modern game in Open Tennis. He was the play-byplay commentator for BBC Radio at Wimbledon for twenty years and is now heard on Tennis Channel at the French Open and AO Radio at the Australian Open.