Awards for Tennis Players as Works of Art
Winner of the Gold Medal for Outstanding Book of the Year (Original Concept) from the 2025 Independent Publisher’s Book Awards.
Winner of the Gold Medal for General Nonfiction for the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
Named 2025 Book of the Year by Inside Tennis Magazine.
Chosen as one of Five Recommended Books for 2024 in the category of Art/Imagination/Creativity by Publisher’s Weekly Booklife.
Named one of “The Best Books We Read in 2024” by Independent Book Review.
Reviews for Tennis Players as Works of Art
“Over a seven-year period, the author compiled a remarkable assemblage of creative pieces by a wide range of artists—paintings, photographs, and images of sculptures that represented the athletic dynamism of tennis as a sport. Each of the dozens of pieces here are accompanied by the author’s commentary, and just as often composed in a soaring, lyrical manner.”—Kirkus Reviews
“This book packs in a lot. Facts and biographical information mix comfortably with emotions spanning joy, anger, sadness, frustration, and even pathos. . . . As rewarding as an absorbing museum exhibit, without having to leave your sofa or armchair. And not just for tennis aficionados.”—Independent Book Review
“Madly Ambitious.”—Editor’s Choice Review from Publisher’s Weekly Booklife
“Tennis Players as Works of Art takes us on an inventive journey that touches religion, culture, psychology, and history. Full of lovely art and lyrical vignettes, the new volume is a must-read treat that tennis lovers will relish.”—Inside Tennis
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite
Inspired by his love for tennis, David Linebarger brings a mesmerizing collection of art, photography, and poetic narratives that pay homage to some of the greatest tennis players who left their mark in the world. Several artists have added their creative input to Tennis Players as Works of Art. The book opens with a painting of Arthur Ashe, the first Black man to win the US Open. Billy Jean King, one of the greatest tennis players in history, was also a prominent advocate for gender equality. The youngest player ever to win the French Open, Monica Seles, was stabbed on the court by a deranged Steffi Graff fan. The casual elegance of Roger Federer’s playing style is likened to the sculptures of ancient Greeks. In contrast, the raw athleticism displayed by his rival, Rafael Nadal, reminds you of primitive cave paintings.
Tennis Players as Works of Art celebrates human creativity, athleticism, and ingenuity through a combination of art, sports, and poetic storytelling. Through illuminating narrative pieces, David Linebarger tells stories and sheds light on the different playing styles of the athletes, while the complementary artwork captures their distinctive personalities, offering readers a fresh new perspective on their lives and their achievements. You will see the likes of Venus Williams in a new light, as in how she asserted herself on the court with a harmonious combination of power, grace, and athleticism, or Maria Sharapova, the femme fatale with assassin’s bullets for serves. As a casual tennis watcher, I honestly had never even heard about most of the players featured in this book, yet I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a book for tennis fans, poetry lovers, and art enthusiasts alike.