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By Phil, September 22, 2009

Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal, and the Greatest Match Ever Played
By Jon L. Wertheim

4 stars

Senior Sports Illustrated writer L. Jon Wertheim weaves an intricately detailed recounting of what all agree was an epic, thoroughly well played tennis match into a compelling multi faceted book.

This is a very descriptive portrait of each man’s differences, backgrounds, tendencies, technical strengths and styles, coaching entourages and personalities which leads up to the titanic Wimbledon final that was played over five sets and seven hours in July of 2008.

Many interesting behind the scenes moments, humorous asides and detours including how Federer met Mirka, his disdain for Djokavic’s “boorish” parents, Nadal’s family dynamics and upbringing, racquet comparisons and endorsements all add background color to the event.  Even chair umpire Pascal Maria gets his time in the sun (or rain as it were) here.

One of the best tennis books I’ve read; an often witty and full account of the quirks and glories of Wimbledon, “The Championships” and of what makes both Roger Federer and the eventual ’08 Champion Rafael Nadal so outstanding by anyone’s standards.

My only complaint: no photos included.

- Phil K.

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By Phil, May 29, 2009

Jimmy Connors Saved My Life
by Joel Drucker, 2004

Author Joel Drucker puts new meaning into the word obsession with this detail-packed, unauthorized (“Don’t write a book about me, son”) biography of one of tennis’s most determined, winning and elusive figures.

Connor’s tenacity and single-minded drive is chronicled here by insider Drucker, who managed to meet and talk with Jimbo on many occasions – yet could never convince him to sanction an authorized biography. No matter – the author weaves details of his own life and of his brother’s troubling mental illness in with his passion for tennis and emotional alliance with the guy from “down in the boondocks.”

This makes for a fascinating and pretty comprehensive biography with some interesting insights from someone who really seemed to get Connors. You’ll trip back to the days when Borg and McEnroe ruled, when the hated Ivan Lendl was just coming up, and when Connors himself was a perennial threat at the US Open or being written off again. In the end – and this can be said of author and subject – they did it their way!

- Phil