Strokes of Genius, Book Review

It is amazing how Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, the Big Three as the commentators call them, have played at a top level for so long, especially Federer.  All three of them have had dips in their careers and have been resilient to come back to play at a high level, and it seems like now they are all back at close to their top levels at the same time.  It speaks volumes about how to stay at the top of your game or any profession for a long time.  Be determined, keep learning, and adapt by re-inventing yourself.  A few years back (around 2013 – 2016), Federer was almost considered down and out, and at one point many people, including his diehard fans, were wondering whether he could win another Grand Slam title.  In 2013 and 2016 he did not make a single Grand Slam Finals, which was unheard of for him.  Then he re-invented himself.  He changed to a new racquet, started approaching the net more, added more serve and volley to his game, and implemented more of a powerful topspin backhand, which has probably become one of his best shots, rather than mostly a slice backhand.  Since 2017, he has won 3 Grand Slam titles, 2 Australian Opens and 1 Wimbledon.  What a comeback.

Without further ado let us get to the book, Strokes of Genius, by Jon Wertheim.  This book is about Federer, Nadal, the rivalry between them, which before 2008 they had played in 5 Grand Slam Finals, with Federer being the King of Grass and Nadal the King of Clay.  The book describes what perhaps some people think as one of the greatest matches ever played or even the greatest of all (and many still do), the Wimbledon 2008 Mens Final, which the umpire, Pascal Maria, had a front row seat to and will also go down in the history as part of that match. The author does a great job of weaving the story of the game together, from the pre-match ongoings, the sights and sounds of Wimbledon, and the historical background of the game of tennis. The author delicately crafts historical information about the game of tennis at the right junctures as the match is being described, like flashbacks in a movie. This book was an easy, fast, and an enjoyable read. It is a book that celebrates the greatness of tennis. This book is a must read for all, and including those up and coming young tennis players. Thanks to Mr. Wertheim for capturing this great moment in tennis history and hopefully further jolting the popularity of tennis.