On This Day in Tennis History: A Day-by-Day Anthology of Anecdotes and Historical Happenings [Paperback]

Randy Walker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2008

Fun and fact-filled, this compilation offers anniversaries, summaries, and anecdotes of events from the world of tennis for every day in the calendar year. Presented in a day-by-day format, the entries into this mini-encyclopedia include major tournament victory dates, summaries of the greatest matches ever played, trivia, and statistics as well as little-known and quirky happenings. Easy-to-use and packed with fascinating details, this compendium is the perfect companion for tennis and general sports fans alike.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An addictive feast that you can enjoy every possible way—dipping in for various morsels, devouring it day-by-day, or selectively finding essential ingredients. As a tennis writer, I will always keep this book at the head of my table."  —Joel Drucker, author, Jimmy Connors Saved My Life

"An easy and unique way to absorb the greatest—and most quirky—moments in tennis history. It’s best read a page a day!"  —Bill Mountford, LTA executive and former director of tennis, USTA National Tennis Center

"A fun read that chronicles some of the most important—and unusual—moments in the annals of tennis. Randy Walker is an excellent narrator of tennis history and has done an incredible job of researching and compiling this entertaining volume."  —Jim Courier, two-time French and Australian Open champion, Hall-of-Famer, and cofounder, Outback Champions series

"A fun and informative trip through the sport's history."  —tennisreporters.net

"Walker has written a fascinating portrait of the game and its many eccentric characters. I can recommend it heartily to tennis fans whether for its moments of high drama or slapstick comedy."  —Long Island Tennis Magazine

"Tennis lovers now have an incredible day-by-day showcase for all 365 days of the year. It's a fun and fact-filled compendium for tennis nuts everywhere."  —Inside Tennis Magazine

About the Author

Randy Walker is a writer, publicist, and tennis historian. He served as the press officer at the U.S. Tennis Association for the U.S. Davis Cup team and three U.S. Olympic tennis teams. He also served as the editor of the U.S. Open Media Guide and Record Book. He lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: New Chapter Press (November 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0942257421
• ISBN-13: 978-0942257427
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #851,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Have for Tennis and Sports History Fans, February 15, 2009

By 

Cynthia Cantrell - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On This Day in Tennis History: A Day-by-Day Anthology of Anecdotes and Historical Happenings (Paperback)

Three years ago, I worked at the US Open compiling the daily tournament draw sheet. I began each issue in the same manner - by selecting my favorite item from a list of anecdotes and historical happenings for each day in US Open history.

This compilation was the brainchild of Randy Walker, who worked for years in the USTA's Marketing and Communications Division. Now Walker has expanded his media resource into a book encompassing generations of players and tournaments worldwide.

"On This Day in Tennis History" is an entertaining read for any sports history aficionado and an essential resource for tennis fans and writers alike.

5.0 out of 5 stars A certifiable encyclopedia of tennis in a day by day format, March 17, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On This Day in Tennis History: A Day-by-Day Anthology of Anecdotes and Historical Happenings (Paperback)

Tennis is a sport with a long and storied history, full of intriguing trivia and facts. "On This Day in Tennis History: A Day-By-Day Anthology of Anecdotes and Historical Happenings" covers every day of the year and reveals important events in tennis history that had occurred on that particular day. The result is a certifiable encyclopedia of tennis in a day by day format. Any dedicated student of the game as well as general fans of sports trivia should strongly consider acquiring "On This Day in Tennis History".

5.0 out of 5 stars Tennis tidbits, February 3, 2009

By 

gary mack (shelby township, Mi) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On This Day in Tennis History: A Day-by-Day Anthology of Anecdotes and Historical Happenings (Paperback)

This book is nirvana for the tennis aficionado. The entire book is easy reading; filled with anecdotes, history, and other snippets of tennis information. Organized by events occurring on a yearly calendar, the blurbs put into perspective the grandeur of the game and showcases the many characters who have played the game at its highest level.
One of the darkest and disheartening stories appears on page 141, dated April 16. That's when beloved tennis star Arthur Ashe announced his retirement at a San Francisco lecture. "Health is a factor, but that's not the only reason... I feel pretty good. My doctors say I will live to be 100, but they won't put that in writing."
Even those who don't follow the game closely know the circumstances of the legend's death and the impact it had on the game and the cultural and political landscape of the 80's.
On account of this book, for the first time in a decade, I watched the men's final of the Australian Open. What a match that was! With tennis titans Nadal and Federer embattled in a classic duel, I thought of Randy Walker's book and how it revived my interest in the game.
Hopefully, it will do the same for you.