The Racket: Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2024 Hardcover – 6 Jun. 2024

I am not a tennis fan at all but I wanted to learn more about life of second-tier professional sports people. I did not regret.The book is an honest, unpolished story of a professional player who played tennis as his full-time job for seven years. The author is probably the most accomplished Irish player of all times, so he knows what he wrote about. The money, re-adjustment of dreams and goals, pain of seeing success of others in your generation, grind of playing non-stop many weeks and months in a raw, injuries - it is all here.The book is well written and even for a layperson who knows nothing about tennis is was an easy read.The description of the main match in the author’s life is a nail-biting thriller. I read it before going to bed and could not fall asleep for a couple of hours after that, such was the nerve of the game, and of course its brilliant description.Thank you, dear Conor. I enjoyed the book and I hope all is well after your retirement (or should I say quitting).

Nice contrast of perspective against the movie King Richard. I guess it isn't really as simple as having a plan, and many parents do anyway?

Conor Niland's "The Racket" is an absolute triumph, serving up a captivating and deeply personal insight into the demanding world of professional tennis. Far from being just another sports memoir, Niland delivers a powerful narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever pursued a dream with unwavering dedication.What truly sets this book apart is Niland's remarkable honesty and vulnerability. He doesn't shy away from the grueling realities of the circuit – the relentless travel, the physical toll, the mental fortitude required to face both victory and defeat. Yet, amidst these challenges, his passion for the game shines through every page, making his journey incredibly relatable and inspiring.Niland's writing is as precise and engaging as his on-court play. He paints vivid pictures of the tournaments, the locker room camaraderie, and the solitary moments of reflection. His ability to articulate the nuances of the sport, from the tactical battles to the emotional highs and lows, is truly exceptional. Even if you're not a die-hard tennis fan, you'll find yourself drawn into the drama and intensity of his experiences."The Racket" is more than just a story about tennis; it's a testament to resilience, self-belief, and the pursuit of excellence against all odds. Conor Niland has crafted a memoir that is both insightful and deeply moving, leaving the reader with a profound appreciation for the sacrifices and triumphs of a professional athlete. This book is a must-read for sports enthusiasts, aspiring athletes, and anyone seeking a story of courage and determination. Highly recommended!

Not until you've read this. Nearly all the other tennis books I've read concentrate on a rise to the top, ending with grand slams, glory and money. Connor Niland rose, but it was a long, slow, grueling rise, and he never quite made it to the top. His story reveals what most tennis pros experience - the grind of travel, calling your own lines, chasing ranking points, not being asked for an autograph. It's a heroic story. If you want to know about tennis, the full story, then you really shouldn't miss this. The best tennis book I've read, and I've read a few.

Great read. It offers a glimpse into the world of pro tennis from the perspective of those who don't make any headlines. Niland's journey, from hitting with Serena Williams at 16 to facing Novak Djokovic while battling food poisoning, is filled with raw and honest moments. It captures the challenges and triumphs of the sport's underdogs, detailing the social dynamics, economic struggles, and dark undercurrents of gambling and doping. Niland's witty and revealing narrative makes this an insightful read for any tennis enthusiast or anyone curious about the reality behind the glitz and glamour of professional tennis.

Just bought this and already a brilliant read. It also got me reflecting on the nature of sporting endeavour, the totally obsessive behaviour of top sportsmen and women ( hi Andy ) and our (the public's) irrational and toxic relationship with dominant sporting celebrities.Over the years I have watched a number of sporting documentaries and you soon become bored with watching disparate superstars move from private jet to luxury hotel accompanied by a small army of PR agents, trainers, fitness and conditioning consultants, masseurs, psychologists, dieticians, hair stylists, manicurists...... (well perhaps not the last two.)What would be really interesting is to see a TV streaming documentary following the progress over a year of a male and female tennis player ranked over 300 and see how they manage the grinding reality of playing futures and challenger tournaments in 1 or 2 horse towns to try to gain a few dozen extra ranking points so they can afford to stay in a reasonable boarding house rather than a tent or a van and can afford an extra racket. Perhaps they may make it to the mystical heights of a grand slam qualifying tournament and then ........ well who knows. We could share their highs and lows and get real insights into how talented players fare in the brutal and unforgiving world of professional sport. Now that would be something worth watching.

I spent the book willing the author to succeed, and have the Disney ending.Having finished the book I can see why it deservedly won the William Hill.The media coverage seemed to focus on an over-bearing father. Perhaps I’m biased, having had the privilege of working for a man, whom I found to be a gentleman, for six months, but I thought he came across as a supportive father, wanting the best for his son.I’m a Cork boy living in exile in Limerick, but proud to have read this story of a Raheen neighbour.