The Wimbledon Final That Never Was . . .

The only time in the history of Wimbledon that the men’s singles final was not played is told in detail by the crowned champion in this illuminating tennis biography. Sidney Wood won the 1931 Wimbledon title by default over Frank Shields—his school buddy, doubles partner, roommate, and Davis Cup teammate—in one of the most curious episodes in sports history. Wood tells the tale of how Shields was ordered by the U.S. Tennis Association not to compete in the championship match so that he could rest his injured knee in preparation for an upcoming Davis Cup match. Three years later the story continues when he and Shields played a match at the Queen’s Club for the Wimbledon trophy. Also included are a compilation of short stories that deliver fascinating anecdotes of the 1930s and a signature document of the play and styles of 20th-century tennis legends.

"Even if you have never picked up a tennis racket or watched a tennis match, you will unconditionally enjoy this wonderful book about a bygone era when athletes were gentlemen first and competitors second. . . . Wood's tales of the now (and then) famous is delightful, and at times sobering." —www.hamptons.com

"[Wood] is George Plimpton-esque in his marvelous prose which gives one a Great Gatsby feel to recollections of the champions he competed (very successfully) against and then observed through the modern era of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal." —www.WorldTennisMagazine.com (July 14, 2011)

"The book's charm lies in the way it recreates early 20th century tennis history. . . . A rich source of stories about tennis history." —Long Island Tennis Magazine (December 1, 2011)