Break Point: The Secret Diary of a Pro Tennis Player

by Vince Spadea, Dan Markowitz

Spanning 13 professional seasons, this colorful and personal account of one man's life on the grueling pro tennis circuit pulls no punches. As one of only two players over the age of 30 ranked in the top 20 players in the world, Vince Spadea offers an inside perspective on his life as a world-class 11-month seasons, 68 tournaments, five continents, four court surfaces, and countless hits and misses. Starting at age eight under the tutelage of his demanding father, he climbed the rankings, battling injury, coaching decisions, and snubs from both fans and players. His place in the glamorous and gritty world-class tennis scene gives him much dirt to dish, and all the big names are there--Andy Roddick, Roger Federer, Martina Navratilova, and Jennifer Capriati. Spadea takes shots with John McEnroe at practice, raps with the Williams sisters over email, and trades barbs with Andre Agassi, who once called Spadea a "journeyman." Part memoir and part expose, this equally comic and gripping trip through professional tennis reveals that the game may begin on the court, but it continues far outside the white lines.

Genres: Biography, Memoir, Sports

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Sunset · Rating 2 out of 5]

A boring account of an year in competitive circuit. Focuses more on non tennis matters. Expected more from this book. Most autobiographies include people who have reached the zenith of their profession and their experiences. Would have been an interesting book had it covered the psyche of players who are on the fringes of top 20 but yet who are more in the dangerzone of losing in their rankings and the intensity of preparation and so on.

[Dan Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Please win a match, Vince”

Interesting diary of playing the pro tennis tour of the early 2000’s. Easy addictive enjoyable read for tennis players and tennis fans of that era. Somewhat depressing as reader gets to know and like Vince, rooting for him, yet he continues to loose matches. A reality show of competitive tennis at the top of the heap.

[Mick · Rating 2 out of 5]

A boring account of an year in competitive circuit. Focuses more on non tennis matters. Expected more from this book. Most autobiographies include people who have reached the zenith of their profession and their experiences. Would have been an interesting book had it covered the psyche of players who are on the fringes of top 20 but yet who are more in the dangerzone of losing in their rankings and the intensity of preparation and so on.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty interesting read if you're a tennis fan. He gives you a good insider's look into the life of a pro tennis player.

[Sumanth J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Nice humour and great insight to Pro Tennis. I would suggest this book to anyone who likes Tennis.

[Rahber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh