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Centre Court: An Indian Summer at Wimbledon
Shankar Mahadevan arrives at Wimbledon, ranked No. 41 in the world, the highest-ranked singles tennis player from India in over three decades.Disowned by the Indian tennis establishment and hounded by a controversy-seeking media, Shankar is exhausted after years chasing an elusive, possibly futile dream. This may well be his last year on the professional tennis circuit, his last trip to the hallowed grass of the All England Club.
Then he starts winning.
Round by round, as he first survives, then discovers his best game, Shankar has to deal with the media frenzy, the increased weight of his own expectations and changed equations with coach, family and past relationships. Will this lead him to victory?
Then he starts winning.
Round by round, as he first survives, then discovers his best game, Shankar has to deal with the media frenzy, the increased weight of his own expectations and changed equations with coach, family and past relationships. Will this lead him to victory?
268 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2017
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July 19, 2017
This is that time of the year when the lush green grass just doesn’t spring to hallowed life but turns sentinels to the unparalleled spectacle of crowning glory in the pantheon of sports – it is time of Wimbledon. It is, arguably, the mecca of tennis, where every player worth his/ her salt wishes to give atleast one winning speech in their lifetimes. And so, what better time to read ‘Centre Court’, this scintillating fictional account of an Indian lad, pursuing his dream at ‘The Championships’, than now?
Ranked World No. 25 just a year ago, Shankar Mahadevan, a 25-year old, 6 feet 2 inches tall, feisty tennis player on the ATP singles tour, has dropped to World No. 41 now, owing to a nasty injury sustained last year. But the ambition of two decades must be chased till it gets all blurred and disappears. Hence, he is attempting to find his mojo back, and is aiming at a last, all-guns-blazing go at redemption. Having Pa by his side – his mentor, his coach, his strategist, his strength, his father – he lands at the All England Club and what we get, are the accounts of both their journeys.
'Centre Court' is a refreshing read, for multiple reasons. Firstly, it dwells deep and consistent, into the game. Tennis is no sidekick or backdrop; it is the hero. The terse, clear and engaging descriptions of the technicalities of play, the tour, the players and their teams, the rankings, the camaraderie (and fallouts), the endorsements, the federations and politics that appear consistently across the body of the book, provide an insider’s peek into the world of tennis. For a reader uninitiated into this game, this can well morph into a trimmed but exciting dossier. Of course, for the tennis enthusiasts, this turns into a mild riot. The narrative will sit up and take them back to duels between Arthur Ashe and Jimmy Connors, style contrasts of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the domination of Steffi Graf and Serena Williams. And yes, one won't doubt where the author's loyalties lie with his protagonist speaking his mind on these lines:
Thirdly, and most appealing to me, was the climax. I hoped the author didn’t squander the advantage he had steadily gained over a substantial 250 odd pages and he does well, in the end, to pocket the match.
This is a riveting read that not only celebrates one of the most exciting sports of all time but also makes veiled attacks on the lacunae plaguing the Indian system, preventing it from producing Grand Slam champions, especially in the Singles circuit. Thus, while one might be tempted to tag the book as sports fiction, it still can lay a valid claim in being called a story of relationships, emotions and most importantly, dreams. And hence, this book shall survive the Wimbledon season and continue to appear lush green, long after the grass, at the venerated grounds, have turned yellow.
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Also on my blog.
Ranked World No. 25 just a year ago, Shankar Mahadevan, a 25-year old, 6 feet 2 inches tall, feisty tennis player on the ATP singles tour, has dropped to World No. 41 now, owing to a nasty injury sustained last year. But the ambition of two decades must be chased till it gets all blurred and disappears. Hence, he is attempting to find his mojo back, and is aiming at a last, all-guns-blazing go at redemption. Having Pa by his side – his mentor, his coach, his strategist, his strength, his father – he lands at the All England Club and what we get, are the accounts of both their journeys.
'Centre Court' is a refreshing read, for multiple reasons. Firstly, it dwells deep and consistent, into the game. Tennis is no sidekick or backdrop; it is the hero. The terse, clear and engaging descriptions of the technicalities of play, the tour, the players and their teams, the rankings, the camaraderie (and fallouts), the endorsements, the federations and politics that appear consistently across the body of the book, provide an insider’s peek into the world of tennis. For a reader uninitiated into this game, this can well morph into a trimmed but exciting dossier. Of course, for the tennis enthusiasts, this turns into a mild riot. The narrative will sit up and take them back to duels between Arthur Ashe and Jimmy Connors, style contrasts of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the domination of Steffi Graf and Serena Williams. And yes, one won't doubt where the author's loyalties lie with his protagonist speaking his mind on these lines:
I think equal prize money is something to be proud of. Even if hypothetically (and that's a big IF), the men's game is more valuable and the women have an unfair gain, we should be proud that in a world where it is so often skewed the other way, and for so long, we are the exception.Secondly, the story manages to strike a balance between the professional and the personal sides of the protagonist. And Subramanian achieves this by playing a smart card - he presents the story in first person account, alternating between Shankar and his Pa. Their perspectives juxtapose energy and tranquillity, ambition and consternation, impulse and maturity, and together, they make a formidable team, plugging effectively, any lose ends that might hand the book, a fault. The tone of their conversations is taut, nimble on the senses and leave a ring in the memory – much like an ace.
Thirdly, and most appealing to me, was the climax. I hoped the author didn’t squander the advantage he had steadily gained over a substantial 250 odd pages and he does well, in the end, to pocket the match.
This is a riveting read that not only celebrates one of the most exciting sports of all time but also makes veiled attacks on the lacunae plaguing the Indian system, preventing it from producing Grand Slam champions, especially in the Singles circuit. Thus, while one might be tempted to tag the book as sports fiction, it still can lay a valid claim in being called a story of relationships, emotions and most importantly, dreams. And hence, this book shall survive the Wimbledon season and continue to appear lush green, long after the grass, at the venerated grounds, have turned yellow.
----
Also on my blog.
July 22, 2017
Book Review: Centre Court, by Sriram Subramanian
It was evident to me, about twenty pages into the reading of ‘Rain’ (Readomania, 2016), that Sriram Subramanian is someone who should write. Odd choice of word, perhaps, for clearly he is someone who does write, evidenced by the fact that this a review of his second book. But I use should advisedly. For there are a lot of people who can write, and many, many more who do write, but not many who should. When I realised that this is a writer who can express thoughts in a clear, concise, logical and structured way without dumbing-down or indulging in jargon, I felt it was a fair call.
In his first novel, which I have reviewed here, Sriram brings these skills to bear upon a philosophical story about a Pune-based architect and his personal battle with faith and the world. In a sense, his second offering, Centre Court (Readomania, 2017), could not be more different. It is a ‘Sports Fiction’ novel, set in the near-future where a young-ish Indian player, Shankar Mahadevan makes a glorious run at Wimbledon.
Playing with the boys
The novel beings with him at the end of his tether after dealing with injury, a hostile press and the monumentally corrupt – and slow – Indian tennis establishment. He arrives at Wimbledon having made up his mind that this will be his last attempt to make an impression on the larger tennis world, a decision his father, who accompanies him like a sort-of manager, has difficulty coming to terms with. Along with his coach Milind they settle in for the campaign and we are treated to a story that goes both forward and backward into the genesis of Shankar’s career, his love for the game, his journey so far, as well as his father’s insights into tennis, sport in general and the philosophical underpinnings that link it to life.
Like the ebb and flow of a tennis match, or even, one might say, a Grand Slam campaign, the story’s pace ratchets up and down, from the highs of Shankar’s match victories to the lows of his personal struggles. His relationship with a former girlfriend is explored as is a casual liaison, all of which are really insights into the nomadic life if the professional sportsperson. As he faces opponents from around the world and of varying levels of ability and various playing styles, we get to see the sporting archetypes that should be familiar – the jock, the jaded veteran, earnest upstart, the reluctant prodigy. These are all very real and very much a part of the real milieu that makes sport such a fine approximation of life.
Intersection
For Center Court is a thoroughly realistic novel. The ‘fiction’ part of ‘Sports Fiction’ should in no way be taken to mean that this is a literary version of Salman Khan’s Sultan. Every incident, every word, is thoroughly believable, every scene and setting meticulously accurate. As someone who has seen Wimbledon, from highlights to documentaries, with obsessive interest, I can vouch for Sriram’s replicating the experience of being a player with real felicity. Every character is well-drawn here, with motivations and personalities, flaws and merits. As the threads of Shankar’s personal life and his professional achievements begin to weave together, we, along with him have to face the questions that are not confined to just the players of sports – when do we settle? What is a compromise? When can we call it a happy ending?
The plot of Centre Court, as I said before, has the pace and excitement of a tennis tournament. For those who have played it, or any other sport, it is likely they will find a lot of places where they would smile as a memory, pleasant or unpleasant, would be recalled. For those who are not as much into sport, the book does a good job of making it relatable without getting to technical, and Pa (Shankar’s father) and his reflections being life and meaning to many a sporting anecdote from real history.
In terms of intent and achievement, there is little to cavil at. Sriram sets out to write a riveting novel about sports and make a commentary on life’s vagaries along the way, and does so admirably. The incisive thrusts on herd mentality and the rot infesting sports administration on India are only too real, their predictability a sad reflection on how much we have accepted and internalised incompetence.
Which brings me back to the point I made originally. In a world where there are no apparent consequences to rank mediocrity and the ability to think, let alone think as clearly and articulate as well is at a premium, we need more Centre Courts.
But even as a bright, fun read, I would say it is quite the perfect little book to tide you over the gap between Wimbledon and the US Open, and maybe even help us dream a little of the day we will see an Indian make a splash on Centre Court.
It was evident to me, about twenty pages into the reading of ‘Rain’ (Readomania, 2016), that Sriram Subramanian is someone who should write. Odd choice of word, perhaps, for clearly he is someone who does write, evidenced by the fact that this a review of his second book. But I use should advisedly. For there are a lot of people who can write, and many, many more who do write, but not many who should. When I realised that this is a writer who can express thoughts in a clear, concise, logical and structured way without dumbing-down or indulging in jargon, I felt it was a fair call.
In his first novel, which I have reviewed here, Sriram brings these skills to bear upon a philosophical story about a Pune-based architect and his personal battle with faith and the world. In a sense, his second offering, Centre Court (Readomania, 2017), could not be more different. It is a ‘Sports Fiction’ novel, set in the near-future where a young-ish Indian player, Shankar Mahadevan makes a glorious run at Wimbledon.
Playing with the boys
The novel beings with him at the end of his tether after dealing with injury, a hostile press and the monumentally corrupt – and slow – Indian tennis establishment. He arrives at Wimbledon having made up his mind that this will be his last attempt to make an impression on the larger tennis world, a decision his father, who accompanies him like a sort-of manager, has difficulty coming to terms with. Along with his coach Milind they settle in for the campaign and we are treated to a story that goes both forward and backward into the genesis of Shankar’s career, his love for the game, his journey so far, as well as his father’s insights into tennis, sport in general and the philosophical underpinnings that link it to life.
Like the ebb and flow of a tennis match, or even, one might say, a Grand Slam campaign, the story’s pace ratchets up and down, from the highs of Shankar’s match victories to the lows of his personal struggles. His relationship with a former girlfriend is explored as is a casual liaison, all of which are really insights into the nomadic life if the professional sportsperson. As he faces opponents from around the world and of varying levels of ability and various playing styles, we get to see the sporting archetypes that should be familiar – the jock, the jaded veteran, earnest upstart, the reluctant prodigy. These are all very real and very much a part of the real milieu that makes sport such a fine approximation of life.
Intersection
For Center Court is a thoroughly realistic novel. The ‘fiction’ part of ‘Sports Fiction’ should in no way be taken to mean that this is a literary version of Salman Khan’s Sultan. Every incident, every word, is thoroughly believable, every scene and setting meticulously accurate. As someone who has seen Wimbledon, from highlights to documentaries, with obsessive interest, I can vouch for Sriram’s replicating the experience of being a player with real felicity. Every character is well-drawn here, with motivations and personalities, flaws and merits. As the threads of Shankar’s personal life and his professional achievements begin to weave together, we, along with him have to face the questions that are not confined to just the players of sports – when do we settle? What is a compromise? When can we call it a happy ending?
The plot of Centre Court, as I said before, has the pace and excitement of a tennis tournament. For those who have played it, or any other sport, it is likely they will find a lot of places where they would smile as a memory, pleasant or unpleasant, would be recalled. For those who are not as much into sport, the book does a good job of making it relatable without getting to technical, and Pa (Shankar’s father) and his reflections being life and meaning to many a sporting anecdote from real history.
In terms of intent and achievement, there is little to cavil at. Sriram sets out to write a riveting novel about sports and make a commentary on life’s vagaries along the way, and does so admirably. The incisive thrusts on herd mentality and the rot infesting sports administration on India are only too real, their predictability a sad reflection on how much we have accepted and internalised incompetence.
Which brings me back to the point I made originally. In a world where there are no apparent consequences to rank mediocrity and the ability to think, let alone think as clearly and articulate as well is at a premium, we need more Centre Courts.
But even as a bright, fun read, I would say it is quite the perfect little book to tide you over the gap between Wimbledon and the US Open, and maybe even help us dream a little of the day we will see an Indian make a splash on Centre Court.
July 19, 2017
Ever since 'Centre Court' came out, I have wanted to read it. But the distractions of life and Wimbledon got in the way. Finally I put aside everything yesterday and read the book in one sitting. Here is what I think.
'Centre Court' tells the story of Shankar Mahadevan, who is a twenty five year old tennis player. Currently he is ranked 41 in the world. He is, at present, at Wimbledon on the eve of the championships. As his ranking is high enough, he gets a direct entry into the main draw. But as he is not seeded, life is unpredictable, as he could face a higher player in the first round and get knocked out. What happens next? Is he knocked out in the first round? Does he progress deep into the competition? I can't tell you more about the story, because you should read the book and discover it yourself.
'Centre Court' is a rare bird, because it is a tennis novel. There are no tennis novels out there. I remember Monica Seles tried writing one which was supposed to be a part of a series aimed at young adult readers - a romantic novel series with a tennis backdrop. I don't think it took off. The only kind of tennis books out there are ghosted biographies and table top books filled with beautiful photographs. There might be an occasional book about a famous match like the Federer - Nadal Final or the Borg - McEnroe final. Otherwise that shelf is really thin. Sport novels, in general, are very rare. I have read a couple of cricket novels, and loved them, but even in cricket, which is rich in literature, novels are rare. In tennis, novels are nonexistent. So 'Centre Court' is unique. It breaks new ground. It is wonderful when a new literary experiment is attempted and it succeeds gloriously and we are there at close quarters to experience it. I loved that.
The second thing I loved about the book is this. 'Centre Court' is a pure tennis novel. It has, of course, its share of drama, because sport is about drama after all. It has the inspiring story of an underdog we all love backing. It is about parents and children and family. It also has a whiff of romance. But, in the end, it is a tennis novel, a tennis novel of the finest kind. Does it mean that you need to know and understand tennis to follow the story and enjoy the drama? Not really. You can follow the story, enjoy the drama, emotionally invest in the main characters and go through an emotional rollercoaster with them, even if you are not a sports fan. But if you are a tennis fan, a tennis player or have been related to the game in any way, your experience will be richer. Because the book takes you on a tour of contemporary tennis history, talks about some of the great matches and players, tennis strategy and tactics, the politics in tennis, the administrators, and the evolution of equipment and technique. Sometimes it digresses into other sports like cricket and chess and draws parallels between them and tennis. It discusses many legendary sporting events in brief but sufficient detail. There is even a discussion on whether sport is art. So beautiful! When I saw that famous quote on being under pressure by my favourite Keith Miller, I couldn't stop smiling! It was like the author took all the beautiful things about sport, put it in a novel and gift-wrapped it and presented it to his readers. All these beautiful things blend seamlessly with the story. How the author managed to do that, I have no idea.
If you are a tennis player or a passionate tennis fan, this book will embrace you, make you a part of the story and make you relive your own life. There is a description of the movie 'Almost Famous' by music critic Tom Moon, which I love so much. It goes like this.
“There’s a scene in Almost Famous, Cameron Crowe’s semiautobiographical film about his unlikely rise as a teenage rock critic, that illustrates the kinetic thrill of discovering music. The Cameron character’s big sister has just left home, and he’s checking out her record collection – gazing meaningfully at Cream’s Wheel of Fire and Led Zeppelin II as though trying to decipher sacred texts. When he opens the gatefold of the Who’s rock opera Tommy, he finds a note : “Listen to Tommy with a candle burning and you will see your entire future.”
He follows the instructions, drops the needle on the hi-fi, and hears those galvanizing guitar chords, a call-to-arms across generations. Even though maybe he’s ten years old, he promptly gets the glassy look in his eyes which says, “Please don’t disturb this cosmic moment.” With this one scene, which has no dialogue, Crowe makes manifest something music lovers know in their bones. That if you listen intently, you will encounter more than just constellations of cool sounds – that lurking within them is information worth having, perhaps even a signpost pointing you toward the next key step on your journey."
If you are a tennis fan and you read this book, you will feel something like that, about your past. I did. The past just came back instantaneously and I could see my whole life as a tennis fan unfolding before my eyes - Becker, Edberg, Lendl, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Jana Novotna, Monica Seles, McEnroe, Connors - the film reel moved on and on with beautiful vivid images. It was like being in the middle of 'Cinema Paradiso'.
So, that's it. Read this book. You will love it. If you are a tennis fan, you will love it more.
I have just one regret. I wish Nirmal Shekhar, who was one of India's finest tennis correspondents, was still around. If he was, he would have read this book and written a poetic essay about it. It would have been beautiful.
Have you read 'Centre Court'? What do you think about it?
'Centre Court' tells the story of Shankar Mahadevan, who is a twenty five year old tennis player. Currently he is ranked 41 in the world. He is, at present, at Wimbledon on the eve of the championships. As his ranking is high enough, he gets a direct entry into the main draw. But as he is not seeded, life is unpredictable, as he could face a higher player in the first round and get knocked out. What happens next? Is he knocked out in the first round? Does he progress deep into the competition? I can't tell you more about the story, because you should read the book and discover it yourself.
'Centre Court' is a rare bird, because it is a tennis novel. There are no tennis novels out there. I remember Monica Seles tried writing one which was supposed to be a part of a series aimed at young adult readers - a romantic novel series with a tennis backdrop. I don't think it took off. The only kind of tennis books out there are ghosted biographies and table top books filled with beautiful photographs. There might be an occasional book about a famous match like the Federer - Nadal Final or the Borg - McEnroe final. Otherwise that shelf is really thin. Sport novels, in general, are very rare. I have read a couple of cricket novels, and loved them, but even in cricket, which is rich in literature, novels are rare. In tennis, novels are nonexistent. So 'Centre Court' is unique. It breaks new ground. It is wonderful when a new literary experiment is attempted and it succeeds gloriously and we are there at close quarters to experience it. I loved that.
The second thing I loved about the book is this. 'Centre Court' is a pure tennis novel. It has, of course, its share of drama, because sport is about drama after all. It has the inspiring story of an underdog we all love backing. It is about parents and children and family. It also has a whiff of romance. But, in the end, it is a tennis novel, a tennis novel of the finest kind. Does it mean that you need to know and understand tennis to follow the story and enjoy the drama? Not really. You can follow the story, enjoy the drama, emotionally invest in the main characters and go through an emotional rollercoaster with them, even if you are not a sports fan. But if you are a tennis fan, a tennis player or have been related to the game in any way, your experience will be richer. Because the book takes you on a tour of contemporary tennis history, talks about some of the great matches and players, tennis strategy and tactics, the politics in tennis, the administrators, and the evolution of equipment and technique. Sometimes it digresses into other sports like cricket and chess and draws parallels between them and tennis. It discusses many legendary sporting events in brief but sufficient detail. There is even a discussion on whether sport is art. So beautiful! When I saw that famous quote on being under pressure by my favourite Keith Miller, I couldn't stop smiling! It was like the author took all the beautiful things about sport, put it in a novel and gift-wrapped it and presented it to his readers. All these beautiful things blend seamlessly with the story. How the author managed to do that, I have no idea.
If you are a tennis player or a passionate tennis fan, this book will embrace you, make you a part of the story and make you relive your own life. There is a description of the movie 'Almost Famous' by music critic Tom Moon, which I love so much. It goes like this.
“There’s a scene in Almost Famous, Cameron Crowe’s semiautobiographical film about his unlikely rise as a teenage rock critic, that illustrates the kinetic thrill of discovering music. The Cameron character’s big sister has just left home, and he’s checking out her record collection – gazing meaningfully at Cream’s Wheel of Fire and Led Zeppelin II as though trying to decipher sacred texts. When he opens the gatefold of the Who’s rock opera Tommy, he finds a note : “Listen to Tommy with a candle burning and you will see your entire future.”
He follows the instructions, drops the needle on the hi-fi, and hears those galvanizing guitar chords, a call-to-arms across generations. Even though maybe he’s ten years old, he promptly gets the glassy look in his eyes which says, “Please don’t disturb this cosmic moment.” With this one scene, which has no dialogue, Crowe makes manifest something music lovers know in their bones. That if you listen intently, you will encounter more than just constellations of cool sounds – that lurking within them is information worth having, perhaps even a signpost pointing you toward the next key step on your journey."
If you are a tennis fan and you read this book, you will feel something like that, about your past. I did. The past just came back instantaneously and I could see my whole life as a tennis fan unfolding before my eyes - Becker, Edberg, Lendl, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Jana Novotna, Monica Seles, McEnroe, Connors - the film reel moved on and on with beautiful vivid images. It was like being in the middle of 'Cinema Paradiso'.
So, that's it. Read this book. You will love it. If you are a tennis fan, you will love it more.
I have just one regret. I wish Nirmal Shekhar, who was one of India's finest tennis correspondents, was still around. If he was, he would have read this book and written a poetic essay about it. It would have been beautiful.
Have you read 'Centre Court'? What do you think about it?
October 28, 2017
Centre Court is a very well written book and the author's knowledge of what he is writing about comes through very well!
The story of Shankar Mahadevan,a professional tennis player who is contemplating if he should go on after competing in Wimbledon of that year, this is also a story of the struggle of an individual to overcome his own doubt and the prejudices he is subjected to by inept officials of the game.
Playing a sport professionally isn't easy in India, particularly a sport that is individual and not the most popular, like tennis.
Still Shankar loves the game since he is 5 and is encouraged by his father Anant, to keep playing and eventually turn pro.
He gradually starts doing well and his ranking improves and with that come a host of controversies not of his making.
This is the story of how he tries to put what the media says about him back home and the reactions of people to the same out of his mind and concentrate on his Wimbledon performance.
As he wins one match after another, hope sparks in his mind and flares in the collective hearts of a nation that hadn't really bothered till then.. can he actually achieve what no Indian has before?
The role played by media in creating or pulling down an icon is so well portrayed!
It really causes one to think and realize that judging an individual for his patriotism or anything else, just based on something written about him simply isn't fair. There are a lot of things a sportsman has no control over and every person does their best to balance what they can do and what is expected of them!
A nice insight into the game of tennis, Grand slams and the life of a player on the tour.
The calming voice of Ananth Mahadevan provides a different perspective of every situation that Shankar describes.
The tennis matches described encapsulated the excitement well..I could imagine those points being played!
A gripping read overall!
The story of Shankar Mahadevan,a professional tennis player who is contemplating if he should go on after competing in Wimbledon of that year, this is also a story of the struggle of an individual to overcome his own doubt and the prejudices he is subjected to by inept officials of the game.
Playing a sport professionally isn't easy in India, particularly a sport that is individual and not the most popular, like tennis.
Still Shankar loves the game since he is 5 and is encouraged by his father Anant, to keep playing and eventually turn pro.
He gradually starts doing well and his ranking improves and with that come a host of controversies not of his making.
This is the story of how he tries to put what the media says about him back home and the reactions of people to the same out of his mind and concentrate on his Wimbledon performance.
As he wins one match after another, hope sparks in his mind and flares in the collective hearts of a nation that hadn't really bothered till then.. can he actually achieve what no Indian has before?
The role played by media in creating or pulling down an icon is so well portrayed!
It really causes one to think and realize that judging an individual for his patriotism or anything else, just based on something written about him simply isn't fair. There are a lot of things a sportsman has no control over and every person does their best to balance what they can do and what is expected of them!
A nice insight into the game of tennis, Grand slams and the life of a player on the tour.
The calming voice of Ananth Mahadevan provides a different perspective of every situation that Shankar describes.
The tennis matches described encapsulated the excitement well..I could imagine those points being played!
A gripping read overall!
July 28, 2017
Seldom does one come across a fiction based on sports. When Centre Court was published and since it was based on tennis, I picked it with no second thoughts. What makes the book good is that it is a viable read even for a non-sports person like me. I did not know 'A' of sports until I realized that my daughter had it in her to reach 'Z' in sports. The book makes a good read for a tennis parent for the same reason. While the book takes you on a historical tour of tennis it also carries vivid description of the drama on court and off court very well. Beginning with the story of an underdog, the well-supporting and stable parent, friends and description of Wimbledon courts, the politics and media, all are handled well in sufficient detail in the book. It was a fine balance of all the factors involved. When reading the parts that covered the junior tennis and the journey of Father and Son duo, I lived them remembering the few journeys I had in my car with my daughter. I have no doubt that the author did excellent in bringing out all these being a tennis parent himself.
I would recommend this book to all sports fans and if you are a tennis player or a parent then it is a must read!!
#Sportsfiction #Tennis #Wimbledon #Tennisparent
I would recommend this book to all sports fans and if you are a tennis player or a parent then it is a must read!!
#Sportsfiction #Tennis #Wimbledon #Tennisparent
September 13, 2017
Centre Court is a story of Shankar Mahadevan, whois in his mid twenties. His love for tennis begins at the delicate age of 5, when he receives a tennis racket as a birthday gift.
Currently ranked no. 41, the story begins with him at the end of his tether, having being out of the scene for a while, owing to a knee-injury. Despite a hostile press and, the corrupt and slow Indian tennis association, he arrives at the Wimbledon having made up his mind that this will be his last attempt to make an impression on the larger tennis world. He's accompanied by his father, Ananth Mahadevan (who is sort of his self-appointed manager) and his coach, Milind. So starts his Wimbledon journey - which the father believes he can and should win. The story goes backward and forward from the inception of Shankar’s career, his love for the game, his journey so far and of course, the tournament as it unfolds.
The pace remains riveting, dwelling upon the highs of Shankar’s victories to the lows of his personal struggles. As he faces opponents from around the world and of varying levels of ability and playing styles, we get a glimpse into his mind. As he starts winning one match after the another, and the media frenzy reaches a peak, we start hoping and believing in his abilities.
Can he do the unthinkable and turn the tables of fate?
The novel is realistic. And captures the true essence of the game. Every character is well-defined, with motivations and personalities, flaws and merits.
Gives a brilliant insight into the world of tennis and Wimbledon - the dreams and aspirations of players, their quirks, their successes and failures and eventually the trophy that matters.
There is an alternative viewpoint: that of his father, Pa. Calm and quiet, having walked beside him at every step of his 20-year journey, Pa is the epitome of patience and perseverance. The struggle of being a parent to a sportsperson and the associated decisions that need to be taken along with it, the sacrifices and just raw insight into the mind of a father, has been captured very beautifully, and was one of the highlights of the book for me.
This novel gives you hope and makes you want to believe that perhaps, someday, the future will see an Indian making a mark on the Centre Court.
Currently ranked no. 41, the story begins with him at the end of his tether, having being out of the scene for a while, owing to a knee-injury. Despite a hostile press and, the corrupt and slow Indian tennis association, he arrives at the Wimbledon having made up his mind that this will be his last attempt to make an impression on the larger tennis world. He's accompanied by his father, Ananth Mahadevan (who is sort of his self-appointed manager) and his coach, Milind. So starts his Wimbledon journey - which the father believes he can and should win. The story goes backward and forward from the inception of Shankar’s career, his love for the game, his journey so far and of course, the tournament as it unfolds.
The pace remains riveting, dwelling upon the highs of Shankar’s victories to the lows of his personal struggles. As he faces opponents from around the world and of varying levels of ability and playing styles, we get a glimpse into his mind. As he starts winning one match after the another, and the media frenzy reaches a peak, we start hoping and believing in his abilities.
Can he do the unthinkable and turn the tables of fate?
The novel is realistic. And captures the true essence of the game. Every character is well-defined, with motivations and personalities, flaws and merits.
Gives a brilliant insight into the world of tennis and Wimbledon - the dreams and aspirations of players, their quirks, their successes and failures and eventually the trophy that matters.
There is an alternative viewpoint: that of his father, Pa. Calm and quiet, having walked beside him at every step of his 20-year journey, Pa is the epitome of patience and perseverance. The struggle of being a parent to a sportsperson and the associated decisions that need to be taken along with it, the sacrifices and just raw insight into the mind of a father, has been captured very beautifully, and was one of the highlights of the book for me.
This novel gives you hope and makes you want to believe that perhaps, someday, the future will see an Indian making a mark on the Centre Court.
August 10, 2018
This is by far the best sports fiction I read. Mies Van der Rohe said, 'God lies in the detail.'
Sriram has written this book in painstaking detail.
Right from the life of a tennis player in Wimbledon, to the thoughts of his entourage, Sriram takes you through a journey that reminds you of Mrinal Sen, 'A good story is a journey of emotions.'
He took the most pains in ensuring not a single fictional character can have even a remote reference to real life players. Just to dispel any doubts, he mentions the greats of today in the past, and you realise that the book is written in the future. You go back a bit to catch a typical author mistake, but he's taken care of that well. Yes, the numbers add up.
This is the kind of book that stays with you for long.
And reminds you how reading a book is so much superior to watching it on film.
The ending is the best, is unexpected, and does real justice to the book.
Sriram has written this book in painstaking detail.
Right from the life of a tennis player in Wimbledon, to the thoughts of his entourage, Sriram takes you through a journey that reminds you of Mrinal Sen, 'A good story is a journey of emotions.'
He took the most pains in ensuring not a single fictional character can have even a remote reference to real life players. Just to dispel any doubts, he mentions the greats of today in the past, and you realise that the book is written in the future. You go back a bit to catch a typical author mistake, but he's taken care of that well. Yes, the numbers add up.
This is the kind of book that stays with you for long.
And reminds you how reading a book is so much superior to watching it on film.
The ending is the best, is unexpected, and does real justice to the book.
August 9, 2018
This is a unique book as it probably is one of the few novels (I know only this) on Tennis in India. Narrated in first person by the protagonist and by his father, the book takes us through the Wimbledon through the eyes of a player.
It is a fast paced read which pays adequate attention to detail on the game. While the players' names mentioned are fictitious, there are references to past and current greats. I liked the climax and the afterword that provides a closure on what happened to the hero after the tournament.
A good read that will be enjoyed by those who like the game.
It is a fast paced read which pays adequate attention to detail on the game. While the players' names mentioned are fictitious, there are references to past and current greats. I liked the climax and the afterword that provides a closure on what happened to the hero after the tournament.
A good read that will be enjoyed by those who like the game.
July 11, 2017
After a long time read a book cover to cover. as a person passionate about social/ corporate etc evolution and the inter-personal equations in any formal set up.. this book is rich in the way it gives us a glimpse into the world of tennis and the trials and tribulations one has to go through to climb the ladder in India. the prose is brilliant - for those who can read between the lines there is enough to see on the detailed problems in the world of tennis in India, and those not interested in the details, the easy pace of the story of the protagonist is sufficient to keep the pages turning as the plot is fresh right through leaving you guessing as to what next!!
July 11, 2017
Centre Court is the story of an Indian tennis player, Shankar Mahadevan, who is playing in the tournament of his life at Wimbledon. It is a make or break year for him. Recovering from injury, bad media and official hostility and ranked 41st, he has already decided that if not successful, it would be his last year on tour. Then the talent and years of hard work and preparation start coming together, and he starts winning. As he moves from round to round, the brilliant first person narrative gives us an insider’s view of a top, professional player’s journey through a high-pressure tournament – we get carried along on a thrilling roller-coaster ride through the tournament, with the ever-present suspense of how far will he go? Will he get the ultimate prize? This is a darn good story, a fast moving, action packed page-turning yarn with the perfect climax and end.
We all watch sports movies. This is a sports book with a similiar thrilling ride and emotional punch. Like Lagaan does for cricket, Centre Court highlights all the technicalities and situations of any Tennis match – the shots, the pressurising scoring system which demands consistency yet allows comebacks, the ups and downs, the surfaces and the rain breaks, the mind games and the strategies, the competitiveness and the adrenaline – all the tense and thrilling situations. And like Chak De, Centre Court marches from match to match, each with its own unique challenges and strategies, with ever tougher opponents and higher stakes.
Tennis is a game full of magnetic, charismatic superstars, and here we encounter almost all the possible kinds of players /opponents – the rookie, the aging veteran, the sentimental crowd favourite the once promising player the teenage prodigy, the next Great Player, the pros and the rising stars and the nervous and the short-tempered and the cheaters and the truly greats. The fans of this beautiful, spectator sport will relive their best tennis memories, find thrilling references to many past tennis rivalries and greats like Borg, McEnroe, Ashe, Connors, Pancho Gonzalez, Novotna, Graff, Agassi, Serena, Lendl, Becker, Federer, Nadal, get special insights and tons of tennis trivia like why the scoring is 15-30-40 (not 45) and that the US Open Final is played on a Monday. As others have said, it is like an Arthur Hailey book for Tennis.
Yet, Centre Court is not too technical – the layman can get into tennis or enjoy the book even without understanding all the tennis lingo. Centre Court has all the drama, emotion and life lessons offered by any sport, with tennis as just the particular example. Even if you are not a sports lover, come along for the ride – if you liked Lagaan or Chak De or Dangal, you will enjoy Centre Court too. Added bonus: it could even get you into watching sports.
Also, Centre Court has so much more to offer. Shankar’s world has some beautifully sketched characters – his supportive mother and sister, physios, coaches, players, Indian sports body officials, media-people, friends, fans, girlfriends – past and present and potential. All the characters, including every player, feel real and we get invested in their dreams and struggles.
But the person who towers above them all is Shankar’s father – Ananth Mahadevan - his guide and guru, teaching and handling him perfectly, a man of principles – ethical yet a practical realist, the mentor with the incredible tennis knowledge and passion, of the thinking and analytical tennis mind, the strategist. The rock support who has taught him so much – not just how to play Tennis but how to play the game of Life.
The book seamlessly shifts between the first person accounts of the father and the son. These alternate father-son points of view are a masterstroke. Through the son, we get into the player’s mind and we relive every sporting moment – the thought process behind each shot, the pressures and the nerves and the confidence and being in the ‘zone’ and the temperament. Skillful flashbacks and the story itself give us a 360-degree view of a tennis player’s life, especially the special challenges of India sports. Parental support, fitness, diet, practice, coaching, Indian venues and facilities, luck, prayers, temperament, books and music (delightful references for both), the junior circuit, financial aspects, sports fraternities and officials, the good and bad media, the individual’s sport vs team play for the country, a sports vs a non-sports girlfriend, the pressures of a professional sports couple, glamour vs hard work, romance and relationships, life on the tour, possibilities after retirement – Centre Court shows it all.
Through the thinker-philosopher father, we get marvellous life and sports insights. In our favourite Agatha Christie books, the suspense and the murder mystery keep us reading fast, but it is the meditations on human nature which we remember long after. Similarly, the drama of the tournament makes Centre Court a terrific page-turner, but the Father’s thoughts and meditations between matches are what we savour even longer. Through the father son duo, we are treated to terrific thoughts on topics like Do Sports matter, Why we watch sports, Chess vs Cricket, What is Art, Is Sports Art, Sportsmen as role models, Hard Work vs Talent, The Women’s circuit - their match durations and prize money, Luck, Instinct vs thought and analysis in a match and the possible improvements in Tennis.
Sriram’s book(s) and protagonists exude goodness, it is very inspirational and heart-warming. We like these people and want them to succeed. A minor complaint – with its mention of ball boy(girl) to Shankar’s woman coach to women tennis references to its views on the women’s circuit – Centre Court has a feminist world-view. Even then, yeh dil maange more (the heart wants even more) - the afterword could have shown a different future for Shankar’s mother Kamala.
Centre Court is extremely well written, fluid and full of content I highlighted, yet the overall language is simple, which I feel, helped in keeping the attention focused on the game. There are, however, scattered gems like these:
“You couldn’t undo what was done, not always, not with everything. Corpses, yes, you could burn them or bury them; ghosts and sprites that rose up in the air and cackled at you, they weren’t afraid of the grave or the fire.”
“She was a rock teetering on the edge of a cliff, a dewdrop quivering on a leaf— both precarious.”
“We were like kites, sundered— she, rising with the wind, jabbing and turning with every waft and I trailing along, foundering, in search of an uplift. Our strings crossed, parted and crossed again and the broken pieces of glass buried deep within us bit and chafed till one snapped.”
“‘There’s no Mr Right. Or Miss Perfect. They don’t exist. You’ll get a Mr Okay, and you’ll have to make do.’
‘Of course there’s a Mr Right. It’s just a matter of timing.'"
“'If you reach the final, there will be Royalty in the box. With your country’s history with the British, would you bend your knee? Though I don’t see why it should be a problem for you – you feel that Tennis is an individual game, and there’s no place for patriotism in it (Still feel that way?)’"
Sriram has been closely associated with the world of sport in various capacities— as a player for his University, as a fan of multiple sports since the early ’80s, as an analyst and sports writer for the Mumbai DNA, and most recently, as a tennis parent, and all these roles have contributed in giving us this nuanced, detailed Tennis book.
The book dedication (*) had a sentence which was truly heart-breaking. In light of that, I would like to dedicate this review to all our parents, especially the sports ones, who make us what we are. And to all the sports persons of the world, who give us so much joy and inspiration, through a lifetime full of hard-work, discipline, passion, and sacrifice. And thanks, Sriram, for this wonderful, rare, fictional sports book. Waiting for the next one.
* Sriram’s dedications are special – his previous book ‘Rain’ had a wonderful, rhyming one like Vikram Seth’s The Golden Gate.
We all watch sports movies. This is a sports book with a similiar thrilling ride and emotional punch. Like Lagaan does for cricket, Centre Court highlights all the technicalities and situations of any Tennis match – the shots, the pressurising scoring system which demands consistency yet allows comebacks, the ups and downs, the surfaces and the rain breaks, the mind games and the strategies, the competitiveness and the adrenaline – all the tense and thrilling situations. And like Chak De, Centre Court marches from match to match, each with its own unique challenges and strategies, with ever tougher opponents and higher stakes.
Tennis is a game full of magnetic, charismatic superstars, and here we encounter almost all the possible kinds of players /opponents – the rookie, the aging veteran, the sentimental crowd favourite the once promising player the teenage prodigy, the next Great Player, the pros and the rising stars and the nervous and the short-tempered and the cheaters and the truly greats. The fans of this beautiful, spectator sport will relive their best tennis memories, find thrilling references to many past tennis rivalries and greats like Borg, McEnroe, Ashe, Connors, Pancho Gonzalez, Novotna, Graff, Agassi, Serena, Lendl, Becker, Federer, Nadal, get special insights and tons of tennis trivia like why the scoring is 15-30-40 (not 45) and that the US Open Final is played on a Monday. As others have said, it is like an Arthur Hailey book for Tennis.
Yet, Centre Court is not too technical – the layman can get into tennis or enjoy the book even without understanding all the tennis lingo. Centre Court has all the drama, emotion and life lessons offered by any sport, with tennis as just the particular example. Even if you are not a sports lover, come along for the ride – if you liked Lagaan or Chak De or Dangal, you will enjoy Centre Court too. Added bonus: it could even get you into watching sports.
Also, Centre Court has so much more to offer. Shankar’s world has some beautifully sketched characters – his supportive mother and sister, physios, coaches, players, Indian sports body officials, media-people, friends, fans, girlfriends – past and present and potential. All the characters, including every player, feel real and we get invested in their dreams and struggles.
But the person who towers above them all is Shankar’s father – Ananth Mahadevan - his guide and guru, teaching and handling him perfectly, a man of principles – ethical yet a practical realist, the mentor with the incredible tennis knowledge and passion, of the thinking and analytical tennis mind, the strategist. The rock support who has taught him so much – not just how to play Tennis but how to play the game of Life.
The book seamlessly shifts between the first person accounts of the father and the son. These alternate father-son points of view are a masterstroke. Through the son, we get into the player’s mind and we relive every sporting moment – the thought process behind each shot, the pressures and the nerves and the confidence and being in the ‘zone’ and the temperament. Skillful flashbacks and the story itself give us a 360-degree view of a tennis player’s life, especially the special challenges of India sports. Parental support, fitness, diet, practice, coaching, Indian venues and facilities, luck, prayers, temperament, books and music (delightful references for both), the junior circuit, financial aspects, sports fraternities and officials, the good and bad media, the individual’s sport vs team play for the country, a sports vs a non-sports girlfriend, the pressures of a professional sports couple, glamour vs hard work, romance and relationships, life on the tour, possibilities after retirement – Centre Court shows it all.
Through the thinker-philosopher father, we get marvellous life and sports insights. In our favourite Agatha Christie books, the suspense and the murder mystery keep us reading fast, but it is the meditations on human nature which we remember long after. Similarly, the drama of the tournament makes Centre Court a terrific page-turner, but the Father’s thoughts and meditations between matches are what we savour even longer. Through the father son duo, we are treated to terrific thoughts on topics like Do Sports matter, Why we watch sports, Chess vs Cricket, What is Art, Is Sports Art, Sportsmen as role models, Hard Work vs Talent, The Women’s circuit - their match durations and prize money, Luck, Instinct vs thought and analysis in a match and the possible improvements in Tennis.
Sriram’s book(s) and protagonists exude goodness, it is very inspirational and heart-warming. We like these people and want them to succeed. A minor complaint – with its mention of ball boy(girl) to Shankar’s woman coach to women tennis references to its views on the women’s circuit – Centre Court has a feminist world-view. Even then, yeh dil maange more (the heart wants even more) - the afterword could have shown a different future for Shankar’s mother Kamala.
Centre Court is extremely well written, fluid and full of content I highlighted, yet the overall language is simple, which I feel, helped in keeping the attention focused on the game. There are, however, scattered gems like these:
“You couldn’t undo what was done, not always, not with everything. Corpses, yes, you could burn them or bury them; ghosts and sprites that rose up in the air and cackled at you, they weren’t afraid of the grave or the fire.”
“She was a rock teetering on the edge of a cliff, a dewdrop quivering on a leaf— both precarious.”
“We were like kites, sundered— she, rising with the wind, jabbing and turning with every waft and I trailing along, foundering, in search of an uplift. Our strings crossed, parted and crossed again and the broken pieces of glass buried deep within us bit and chafed till one snapped.”
“‘There’s no Mr Right. Or Miss Perfect. They don’t exist. You’ll get a Mr Okay, and you’ll have to make do.’
‘Of course there’s a Mr Right. It’s just a matter of timing.'"
“'If you reach the final, there will be Royalty in the box. With your country’s history with the British, would you bend your knee? Though I don’t see why it should be a problem for you – you feel that Tennis is an individual game, and there’s no place for patriotism in it (Still feel that way?)’"
Sriram has been closely associated with the world of sport in various capacities— as a player for his University, as a fan of multiple sports since the early ’80s, as an analyst and sports writer for the Mumbai DNA, and most recently, as a tennis parent, and all these roles have contributed in giving us this nuanced, detailed Tennis book.
The book dedication (*) had a sentence which was truly heart-breaking. In light of that, I would like to dedicate this review to all our parents, especially the sports ones, who make us what we are. And to all the sports persons of the world, who give us so much joy and inspiration, through a lifetime full of hard-work, discipline, passion, and sacrifice. And thanks, Sriram, for this wonderful, rare, fictional sports book. Waiting for the next one.
* Sriram’s dedications are special – his previous book ‘Rain’ had a wonderful, rhyming one like Vikram Seth’s The Golden Gate.
July 28, 2017
Sriram Subramaniam, an IIT and IIM Alumnus as mentioned on the back cover of the book has put in his best foot forward with this book (his second) and it is pretty much evident that he hasn’t left a single stone unturned in this work of fiction. Terrific is the final outcome and I must say the kind of research, analysis and background that he has done for this book is simply amazing. His passion towards the game of Tennis, music, books and movies as well as road trips, everything is pretty much visible for the reader. I myself believe in one thing, that a book or a movie is a grand success (for me personally) if it is able to make me go breathless, choke me up, make me smile, jump in air with my fist going up making a yessss! And make me go teary eyed as if a dream has come true. This one fortunately did it all in one clean sweep and bowled me over by the way it does it. Now tell, how many of you have the memory of India's victory of 1983 Cricket World cup? I was 7 years old and I can still remember the way my mom was dancing throughout the day and her 32 tooth smile, she could have killed anyone that day if Kapil Dev (the then Indian captain) would have asked her to. People born in the 70's will understand this in a better way with their own memory of not so long ago Indian victory of the same cup in the year 2011, when we lifted the trophy yet again after 27 years. I have no memory how many strangers I hugged that night and we kept chanting "Indiaaaaaa, Indiaaaaaaa...." throughout the night and that were the scene all over India. Also, how many of you actually stood up when they played the Indian national anthem in Olympics when we won a Gold medal after ages as the Indian national flag went up in the stadium. I have been an avid Formula 1 fan for last couple of decades now and I can still not forget the way I would look up to that man in number 24 (last) in the circuit couple of years back called Narain Karthikeyan, although I very well knew that he will never have a pole position or a podium finish yet he made us proud by just being there and he indeed still is the fastest Indian. This book refreshed all those memories, at lease in fiction it made me live that dream of seeing one of us at the Centre Court in Wimbledon living a billion peoples dream, win or lose it just doesn’t matter. (How? read on).
Terrific story of Shankar Mahadevan from rags to riches in the game of tennis from our part of the world where even an individual game is marred by the internal politics of state and country. The way his dad Anant Mahadevan struggles to fulfill his own dream through his son, by making him a world champion, how they do it or do they? is the story all about. Author is supremely qualified to give us a true story through his work of fiction as his own son is a National level player and I guess that’s the reason the book feels so real, not for one moment makes you feel that it is indeed fiction. The father son relationship and the way story keeps going forward and in flashback from Son as well as Dad's angle is too good. Although it took me time to get used to it but it all became very interesting to see the same episode through two different versions. How Anant grooms his son from a young kid to a mature tennis player with the help of so many coaches, mentors and experiences is terrific. How the story keeps going back in time is done so flawlessly that not for one moment it gives the reader any respite to put the book down and give it a break. It was almost like reading a perfect thriller so much that my mom actually asked me if I am having a day off as refused to sleep as I just couldn’t help it. As Shankar qualifies for the big event and goes off to play at Wimbledon the Mecca of Tennis If I may call it that. The memory of Centre Court flashed in my mind, Wimbledon for me means a chair umpire saying on PA system "Silence please..... Thank You!!" whilst the greatest of great from Tennis world played each other in thrilling games. I stopped watching Tennis after Andre Agassi retired and now I regret that I unfortunately read this book after the Wimbledon just got over, had I read it a couple of weeks ago, I would have relived the whole memory watching Federer win yet again this time. How far Shankar Mahadevan will go in Wimbledon and what all goes through in his personal life as well as in background makes up for a thrilling ride for the reader.
Brilliant is the way he has explained the whole game of Tennis for someone who hasn't played or seen the game yet. No spoon feeding but very smartly explained. I had no idea that Wimbledon Centre Court had a glass roof :) got to know that from this book. Another thing that I loved about this book is the character names. Shankar Mahadevan the kid, his dad Anant Mahadevan, chair umpire Eva Mendes :) had me in smiles all through. Plus the music, book and movie references all tell us about the Author's passion towards them. I was never a Bob Dylan fan but I guess now I've got to check his songs out after reading this book, need to know what I have missed. Also, if this book gets proper attention and gets into the hands of right people like our Sports Ministry and people are passionate about sports with some authority, it could do wonders. The way Author has picked up the little nuances of not only the game but the other things too that one needs to keep in mind while making sports legends from our part of the world. It’s so doable yet we have failed to make our mark in International arena even after a billion in population we still have no say in almost any sports barring of-course Cricket which hardly a handful of countries play. This book can be a Bible of not only Tennis but any sport if taken in the right manner. You've got to read it and read it some more as Anant Mahadevan not only fulfills his dream but what he does further is applaud worthy and the way he does it, I am sure with right funding and heart in all the right places we can certainly achieve the dream of seeing an Indian in the Centre Court lifting a Wimbledon trophy in very near future. I wish it happens in my life time though.
Have you read the book? Do let me know if you liked it, any other sports fiction from our part of the world that you know of? I do not.
Terrific story of Shankar Mahadevan from rags to riches in the game of tennis from our part of the world where even an individual game is marred by the internal politics of state and country. The way his dad Anant Mahadevan struggles to fulfill his own dream through his son, by making him a world champion, how they do it or do they? is the story all about. Author is supremely qualified to give us a true story through his work of fiction as his own son is a National level player and I guess that’s the reason the book feels so real, not for one moment makes you feel that it is indeed fiction. The father son relationship and the way story keeps going forward and in flashback from Son as well as Dad's angle is too good. Although it took me time to get used to it but it all became very interesting to see the same episode through two different versions. How Anant grooms his son from a young kid to a mature tennis player with the help of so many coaches, mentors and experiences is terrific. How the story keeps going back in time is done so flawlessly that not for one moment it gives the reader any respite to put the book down and give it a break. It was almost like reading a perfect thriller so much that my mom actually asked me if I am having a day off as refused to sleep as I just couldn’t help it. As Shankar qualifies for the big event and goes off to play at Wimbledon the Mecca of Tennis If I may call it that. The memory of Centre Court flashed in my mind, Wimbledon for me means a chair umpire saying on PA system "Silence please..... Thank You!!" whilst the greatest of great from Tennis world played each other in thrilling games. I stopped watching Tennis after Andre Agassi retired and now I regret that I unfortunately read this book after the Wimbledon just got over, had I read it a couple of weeks ago, I would have relived the whole memory watching Federer win yet again this time. How far Shankar Mahadevan will go in Wimbledon and what all goes through in his personal life as well as in background makes up for a thrilling ride for the reader.
Brilliant is the way he has explained the whole game of Tennis for someone who hasn't played or seen the game yet. No spoon feeding but very smartly explained. I had no idea that Wimbledon Centre Court had a glass roof :) got to know that from this book. Another thing that I loved about this book is the character names. Shankar Mahadevan the kid, his dad Anant Mahadevan, chair umpire Eva Mendes :) had me in smiles all through. Plus the music, book and movie references all tell us about the Author's passion towards them. I was never a Bob Dylan fan but I guess now I've got to check his songs out after reading this book, need to know what I have missed. Also, if this book gets proper attention and gets into the hands of right people like our Sports Ministry and people are passionate about sports with some authority, it could do wonders. The way Author has picked up the little nuances of not only the game but the other things too that one needs to keep in mind while making sports legends from our part of the world. It’s so doable yet we have failed to make our mark in International arena even after a billion in population we still have no say in almost any sports barring of-course Cricket which hardly a handful of countries play. This book can be a Bible of not only Tennis but any sport if taken in the right manner. You've got to read it and read it some more as Anant Mahadevan not only fulfills his dream but what he does further is applaud worthy and the way he does it, I am sure with right funding and heart in all the right places we can certainly achieve the dream of seeing an Indian in the Centre Court lifting a Wimbledon trophy in very near future. I wish it happens in my life time though.
Have you read the book? Do let me know if you liked it, any other sports fiction from our part of the world that you know of? I do not.
April 30, 2019
I read ‘Centre Court’ by Sriram Subramanian with the expectation that I shall be bogged down by all the minutiae of the game, since I have never really followed tennis. However, I zipped through the book in two days flat (despite the fact that I had guests, a child clamouring for attention because of school holidays and a dead TV, and a father who kept stealing the book when I put it down so he could read it himself.)
It was an absolutely gripping and deeply satisfying book. The human element is given as much attention as the tennis aspect. The story goes back and forth between two narrators, Shankar and his father, giving their own perspectives of how events play out as Shankar claws his way up the ranks at Wimbledon.
The story itself is straightforward, but it exerted a fascination that comes with a character who inches towards a goal (will he, won’t he?); and the stock-taking that the reader and characters participate in after every milestone is passed.
The author explains the nitty-gritties of tennis beautifully. He doesn’t indulge in obscure sportspeak nor does he patronise the reader by dumbing technical parts down entirely. He strikes a great balance without allowing the story to get bogged down. The narrative flows on inexorably, discussing human nature, the quirks and beauties of London (a city the author describes with affection), the trials and triumphs of being a sportsperson or sports parent, the politics that all endeavours get inevitably mired in once they gain a little bit of success and attention, and the varied textures of different relationships. All of these threads weave together to form a thoroughly entertaining story that is essentially an ode to tennis.
I absolutely loved the writing. It trots along in an easy, lucid way; when the son speaks to us the writing is younger, more energetic and emotional, and deepens into a graver, more thoughtful prose when his father takes over.
A wonderful book all in all. It should be celebrated as a first in many ways – I hope to see it get it’s due in time.
It was an absolutely gripping and deeply satisfying book. The human element is given as much attention as the tennis aspect. The story goes back and forth between two narrators, Shankar and his father, giving their own perspectives of how events play out as Shankar claws his way up the ranks at Wimbledon.
The story itself is straightforward, but it exerted a fascination that comes with a character who inches towards a goal (will he, won’t he?); and the stock-taking that the reader and characters participate in after every milestone is passed.
The author explains the nitty-gritties of tennis beautifully. He doesn’t indulge in obscure sportspeak nor does he patronise the reader by dumbing technical parts down entirely. He strikes a great balance without allowing the story to get bogged down. The narrative flows on inexorably, discussing human nature, the quirks and beauties of London (a city the author describes with affection), the trials and triumphs of being a sportsperson or sports parent, the politics that all endeavours get inevitably mired in once they gain a little bit of success and attention, and the varied textures of different relationships. All of these threads weave together to form a thoroughly entertaining story that is essentially an ode to tennis.
I absolutely loved the writing. It trots along in an easy, lucid way; when the son speaks to us the writing is younger, more energetic and emotional, and deepens into a graver, more thoughtful prose when his father takes over.
A wonderful book all in all. It should be celebrated as a first in many ways – I hope to see it get it’s due in time.
July 15, 2017
I loved the book
This book review is from a perspective of a person who is a reader and not a sport and specifically not a Tennis enthusiast. To be specific except for knowing the names of a few biggies in Tennis I neither follow the game or understand it.
I picked up the book as I had seen many recommendations in a book group that I follow and I love to try and read Indian authors. This is the first book that I am reading y this author.
The cover is very appealing and aptly brings out what the book is about.
The language of the book is understandable without being too simplistic.
The book has been narrated in the point of Views of Shankar Mahadevan the main protagonist and his father Mr Anath Mahadevan his father. I loved this way of narration and it so clearly brought out the differences in the way both these characters thought.
The descriptions of the places and locales are very vivid and allowing the reader to be a part of the scene.
For a non tennis person, the game has been explained in such a natural manner as part of the narrative that it becomes interesting so much so that I now wish to see a match and try and understand everything that was written in the book and may be on a later date will re read the book to gain a better perspective.
The way the author explains the details and the thought process of the player and gives us a glimpse of the insides of the tennis circuit is very interesting.
I fell in love with the character of Pa, who is a supportive father without being too pushy and the life lessons that the author sprinkles in between via the fathers narratives are worth recording and cherishing.
Tennis enthusiasts will definitely love and enjoy this story and its equally worth a read for non tennis enthusiasts who would thoroughly enjoy the action packed story and learn quite a few things about the game too.
This book review is from a perspective of a person who is a reader and not a sport and specifically not a Tennis enthusiast. To be specific except for knowing the names of a few biggies in Tennis I neither follow the game or understand it.
I picked up the book as I had seen many recommendations in a book group that I follow and I love to try and read Indian authors. This is the first book that I am reading y this author.
The cover is very appealing and aptly brings out what the book is about.
The language of the book is understandable without being too simplistic.
The book has been narrated in the point of Views of Shankar Mahadevan the main protagonist and his father Mr Anath Mahadevan his father. I loved this way of narration and it so clearly brought out the differences in the way both these characters thought.
The descriptions of the places and locales are very vivid and allowing the reader to be a part of the scene.
For a non tennis person, the game has been explained in such a natural manner as part of the narrative that it becomes interesting so much so that I now wish to see a match and try and understand everything that was written in the book and may be on a later date will re read the book to gain a better perspective.
The way the author explains the details and the thought process of the player and gives us a glimpse of the insides of the tennis circuit is very interesting.
I fell in love with the character of Pa, who is a supportive father without being too pushy and the life lessons that the author sprinkles in between via the fathers narratives are worth recording and cherishing.
Tennis enthusiasts will definitely love and enjoy this story and its equally worth a read for non tennis enthusiasts who would thoroughly enjoy the action packed story and learn quite a few things about the game too.
November 8, 2017
My review on Centre Court.
I must admit, though at starting I felt bit dragging, I enjoyed reading.
The reason for feeling dragged is , I am novice to Tennis and sports itself. This is first time, I came to know about a sport.
Though its sports novel, it reflects life as a whole. Story is narrated by Shanker Mahadevan,who is in mid twenties and his father,a true tennis lover.At the quarter final matches and semi final matches, for same situation, how father and son duo is thinking narrated in simply superb way. Shankar, though he has his own strength, his own weakness how he overcame and how success changed his thought process is well explained. At the time, when he thinks he will loose, he gave least priority to winning and he enjoyed the tactics he used and the game. He clearly read opponents mind and played accordingly. It does apply everwhere. Its not about winning , but how we are winning. Interview he has given to french news paper is down to earth.
Coming to pa, father he played critical role in his sons life. The person with values, pure love to tennis, but who never forces his opinion to his son is rarely seen . Remaining characters also we can find in our day to day life.
How Shankar faced different opponents with different attitude is extra ordinary.
Following is my favorite snippet from the book.
Sports is rule based, but so is every other art form. The great artist masters the rules and then transcends them. Most sports person will probably be better termed 'highly skilled crafts men', but then so most musicians or most painters or most authors. But when you see a Federer or Petrov do what they do on a tennis court, you get the disctinct feeling to them, the form, the how of winning, is as important to them as merely the function of winnig.
When you ain't got nothing,you got nothing to loose.
Coming to my another favorite aspect, comparing sports to art and science. It changed my perspective towards sports now and I want to see Tennis matches now. At the final also, author tried to explain winning and loosing doesn't matter, but the way you played matters. Glad I have read this book.
I must admit, though at starting I felt bit dragging, I enjoyed reading.
The reason for feeling dragged is , I am novice to Tennis and sports itself. This is first time, I came to know about a sport.
Though its sports novel, it reflects life as a whole. Story is narrated by Shanker Mahadevan,who is in mid twenties and his father,a true tennis lover.At the quarter final matches and semi final matches, for same situation, how father and son duo is thinking narrated in simply superb way. Shankar, though he has his own strength, his own weakness how he overcame and how success changed his thought process is well explained. At the time, when he thinks he will loose, he gave least priority to winning and he enjoyed the tactics he used and the game. He clearly read opponents mind and played accordingly. It does apply everwhere. Its not about winning , but how we are winning. Interview he has given to french news paper is down to earth.
Coming to pa, father he played critical role in his sons life. The person with values, pure love to tennis, but who never forces his opinion to his son is rarely seen . Remaining characters also we can find in our day to day life.
How Shankar faced different opponents with different attitude is extra ordinary.
Following is my favorite snippet from the book.
Sports is rule based, but so is every other art form. The great artist masters the rules and then transcends them. Most sports person will probably be better termed 'highly skilled crafts men', but then so most musicians or most painters or most authors. But when you see a Federer or Petrov do what they do on a tennis court, you get the disctinct feeling to them, the form, the how of winning, is as important to them as merely the function of winnig.
When you ain't got nothing,you got nothing to loose.
Coming to my another favorite aspect, comparing sports to art and science. It changed my perspective towards sports now and I want to see Tennis matches now. At the final also, author tried to explain winning and loosing doesn't matter, but the way you played matters. Glad I have read this book.
October 17, 2017
Right plot, right characters, right language, right narration - this book has it all. The main characters are Shankar Mahadevan, India's top Tennis player, the first one to ever hold a chance at a Grand Slam. The venue is Wimbledon, the Mecca of Tennis. Shankar's father and coach form the main supporting cast. The story flows seamlessly taking the reader from match to match as Shankar makes his way through the 7 rounds of the tournament with the interval between each match interspersed with Shankar's back story, his social life, tit bits about Tennis history and the author's general philosophy about life. The author has managed to blend all of this elements very well and the reader's interest does not sag for a moment. There is quite a lot of drama going on both on court and off court. The notorious paparazzi seeking sensational news, the corrupt sports federations, girl friends form the off field drama. Each player, each match is so different from the other - one player is a cheat, one player is a genius, one an ambitious upstart, one a complete jerk to name a few.
The author also manages to share his philosophy and impress on the reader his view of sports as an art form. He also manages to show us his vision for sports in the country. That was the story is not just entertainment - there is a message as well. The ending was also very good. After all the start I feared the author will wind up the story to a tame end. Luckily he did nothing of that sort.
Check out the rest of it here. http://luciferhouseinc.blogspot.in/20...
The author also manages to share his philosophy and impress on the reader his view of sports as an art form. He also manages to show us his vision for sports in the country. That was the story is not just entertainment - there is a message as well. The ending was also very good. After all the start I feared the author will wind up the story to a tame end. Luckily he did nothing of that sort.
Check out the rest of it here. http://luciferhouseinc.blogspot.in/20...
January 30, 2018
If reading 'Rain: A Survivor's Tale' was good, remembering 'Centre Court: An Indian Summer at Wimbledon' will be great! With not a point to pick, this work is spotless.
This novel will not have the flourishing voice as in 'Rain', and it will be discerned well by the reader, as the protagonist of Centre Court is a sportster(used my liberty to coin such a word: Purists don't impale me!), who is although well-read, talks about 'The Brave New World' of Aldous Huxley and all, he still speaks like how any young sports person would. It was refreshing to see such attention given to character development, that not in a single beat in any of the scenes, will any reader feel, that the pages were filled with devices which were invented only to establish character traits.
By reading the foreword and acknowledgments section, it will be a work of playing trivia, to match those few pieces which the writer has used from his own life. The protagonist; being a Tam Bram, whose mother is an English teacher, fond of books with specific names to mention and not to forget Van Gogh's painting, only tell too well, how much the writer could not stop from letting himself into his work, which is but natural. The same could be seen in Rain, too, as the protagonist is a Tamil speaking character setlled in Pune, Maharashtra. Hoping that Mr Subramanian comes up yet again, with another superlative novel, without a link to trace to the author's own life; this is nothing but an indirect wish, that Mr Subramanian chooses to write again.
I challenge every reader out there who does not know a thing about tennis to go ahead, buy and read 'Centre Court', for it does not matter, it can still be enjoyed - this is an unknown reader's promise on behalf of the writer.
This novel will not have the flourishing voice as in 'Rain', and it will be discerned well by the reader, as the protagonist of Centre Court is a sportster(used my liberty to coin such a word: Purists don't impale me!), who is although well-read, talks about 'The Brave New World' of Aldous Huxley and all, he still speaks like how any young sports person would. It was refreshing to see such attention given to character development, that not in a single beat in any of the scenes, will any reader feel, that the pages were filled with devices which were invented only to establish character traits.
By reading the foreword and acknowledgments section, it will be a work of playing trivia, to match those few pieces which the writer has used from his own life. The protagonist; being a Tam Bram, whose mother is an English teacher, fond of books with specific names to mention and not to forget Van Gogh's painting, only tell too well, how much the writer could not stop from letting himself into his work, which is but natural. The same could be seen in Rain, too, as the protagonist is a Tamil speaking character setlled in Pune, Maharashtra. Hoping that Mr Subramanian comes up yet again, with another superlative novel, without a link to trace to the author's own life; this is nothing but an indirect wish, that Mr Subramanian chooses to write again.
I challenge every reader out there who does not know a thing about tennis to go ahead, buy and read 'Centre Court', for it does not matter, it can still be enjoyed - this is an unknown reader's promise on behalf of the writer.
January 8, 2018
It would never have occurred to me to pick up this book, as I have zero interest in tennis, but did so because of the book club that I'm a part of, and I'm so glad I did! It's a well-written book and the language flows effortlessly. And even though I'm not a tennis fan and didn't understand all the technical terms (but got an idea about what they meant), I felt transported to Wimbledon and felt like I was sitting at the edge of my seat watching the matches unfold in front of me. The two points of view are crisp and well-distinguished from one another. You really feel like you're inside the characters' minds. And from no interest in tennis, now I feel like watching a few matches!
May 6, 2019
Downloaded on a whim but no regrets!
I got this book on Kindle based on a review on SRR/FB. I loved it so much that I am going to watch Wimbledon this year with this book as reference. I watch tennis but don't know the technicalities. This book made me look beyond the glamour of the winners/top ranked players, be it any sports/game. Their hard work and the hurdles the players face! This is my first of the author. Look forward to read more!
Cheers!
I got this book on Kindle based on a review on SRR/FB. I loved it so much that I am going to watch Wimbledon this year with this book as reference. I watch tennis but don't know the technicalities. This book made me look beyond the glamour of the winners/top ranked players, be it any sports/game. Their hard work and the hurdles the players face! This is my first of the author. Look forward to read more!
Cheers!
January 7, 2018
I never thought I would pick up a fiction based on sports.Sriram is not unfamiliar as a author ,I had read his earlier book the rain and found it really really interesting.
This book is on Wimbledon where it showcases the different emotions that player go through as and when he progresses through the game.
This book is on Wimbledon where it showcases the different emotions that player go through as and when he progresses through the game.
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