Tennis: A History from American Amateurs to Global Professionals

The Open era in 1968 marked the beginning of tennis as a professional sport, with Greg Ruth's book tracing its evolution from nineteenth-century lawn tennis to the present day. It explores the economics and politics that made tennis a force in modern-day sports entertainment, featuring stories of players and off-court figures.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 368 pages
\n Publication date: 27 July 2021
\n Publisher: University of Illinois Press
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The transformation of tennis from a recreational activity to a professional sport was a pivotal moment in its history, marked by the arrival of the Open era in 1968. In his book, Tennis: The Open Era, author Greg Ruth delves into the intricate details of this transition, combining a broad historical perspective with personal accounts of players and off-court figures. Ruth's vivid narrative spans from the secluded world of nineteenth-century lawn tennis to the longstanding divide between amateurs and professionals and the intense battles over commercialization that occurred from the 1920s to 1968.

The post-1968 era witnessed a remarkable expansion of tennis, driven by the emergence of bankable superstars, the establishment of a popular women's tour, rival governing bodies, and substantial sponsorship money. Ruth's comprehensive account reveals the intricate economics and politics that shaped the development of modern-day sports entertainment, showcasing tennis as a significant force in this transformation.

Tennis: The Open Era is a captivating and informative book that weaves together the interlocking stories of the individuals and factors that gave rise to the professional game. Ruth's meticulous research and engaging writing style make it an essential read for tennis enthusiasts, sports historians, and anyone interested in the evolution of sports entertainment.

\n Weight: 562g\n
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780252085888\n \n