When Conor Niland won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award three weeks ago, he received £30,000, which was twice the amount he had ever earned in his seven-year professional tennis career.
The book, “The Racket,” delves into the life of a tennis player outside the elite circle, such as Niland, who reached world No. 129 without making it past the first round at a major tournament. The book sheds light on the challenges faced by players on the second-tier (Challenger) and third-tier (ITF) tours, where they travel the world on budget flights, including a hair-raising trip through Uzbekistan without seatbelts.
Unlike bigger tennis events focused on household names, “The Racket” resonates with both tennis fans and casual sports enthusiasts. Niland describes it as accessible to those unfamiliar with tennis while maintaining depth for the sport’s aficionados.
The mental side of tennis is a central theme in the book, drawing parallels to Agassi’s autobiography “Open” and the movie “Challengers.” Niland discusses the intense introspection and solitude experienced by tennis players, as they navigate the competitive landscape.
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Conor Niland, who turned pro in 2005, reflected on his career marked by near-misses and challenges. Despite reaching Grand Slam tournaments, he faced setbacks and eventually retired due to a hip injury in 2012.
His book sheds light on the disparities in tennis earnings and the struggles faced by lower-ranked players who make up the majority of the professional circuit.
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The book highlights the hierarchical structure of tennis and the challenges faced by players outside the top rankings. It addresses issues of doping, privilege, and the psychological toll of a career in professional sports.
Niland aims to humanize the struggles of players below the top 100 and dispel misconceptions about the tennis industry. Despite leaving the professional circuit, he remains connected to the sport through coaching and hopes to continue writing in the future.
(Top photos: Getty Images; design: Dan Goldfarb)