The Cruelest Game

A revelatory exposé of professional tennis by revered New York Times and The Athletic tennis writer Matthew Futterman, featuring never-before-reported stories of the struggles and accomplishments of current legends and tomorrow’s rising stars

“Matt Futterman is one of the clearest modern-day journalistic voices in tennis.... A great read for all sports fans.”—Billie Jean King

Nadal and Djokovic . . . Serena, Coco, and Sabalenka . . . Sinner, Alcaraz, and Shelton. . . . The story of modern tennis burns bright with fame, fortune, and glamour—with stakes the likes of
which the game has never seen before. Players must excel under excruciating pressure while the public spotlight blazes on those who win and shuns those who lose. With the likes of Rafa, Roger, Novak, and Serena walking off the court and into retirement, a new crop of aspiring tennis hopefuls faces a shifting landscape as they begin their quest for the secret codes that will allow them to thrive at the top of a brutal game. Offering unique access to the top stars, The Cruelest Game is a riveting account of the price of the fame and glory.