Book captures the stories behind successful teams of the past, present and future
NEW YORK — In the ultra-competitive landscape of professional sports, American tennis players have carved a niche — on the world’s doubles courts. American Doubles explores the phenomenon of the United States’ doubles prowess from the successes of such legends as Billie Jean King and Stan Smith to today’s top-ranked men’s doubles players Bob and Mike Bryan.
American Doubles is packed with touching stories of how some players conceded a chance at singles stardom to preserve ties with a doubles partner, how sibling pairings are tough to beat, and how Americans thrive in a team environment. Readers will learn that the success of Americans in the doubles game runs deep — at the junior and college levels, wheelchair tennis, mixed doubles, World TeamTennis and the pro tours.
The story of how Americans have come to rule the doubles court is a fascinating and surprising tale told by longtime journalist and tennis insider Marcia Frost. Stanford University’s Director of Tennis Dick Gould, who coached the Bryans as well as John and Patrick McEnroe, says the book offers “a close-up view that is intriguing, exciting and impossible to put down.”
“We’ve felt a renewed interest in doubles the past few years and this book will help the great game even more,” says Bob Bryan, who won the doubles championships at the ATP Masters Series Barcelona this past weekend with brother Mike. “We love the dynamics of the team thing and it is captured so well by Marcia Frost in this work.” It was their doubles team who clinched the 2007 Davis Cup Final for the United States.
The book, published by Mansion Grove House (ISBN-13: 978-1-932421-16-3), runs over 200 pages with photographs. It’s available on Amazon.com, BN.com, and at Barnes & Noble and other fine book shops.