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Three Extraordinary Men, a World on the Brink of War, and the Greatest Tennis Match Ever Played

Anton Foster

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Published in A Terrible Splendor: Three Extraordinary Men A World Poised For War And The Greatest Tennis Match Ever Played

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Three Men Stand On A Tennis Court, Ready To Play. The Crowd Looks On In Anticipation. A Terrible Splendor: Three Extraordinary Men A World Poised For War And The Greatest Tennis Match Ever Played

The Men

In the summer of 1939, as the world teetered on the brink of war, three extraordinary men stood poised to play the greatest tennis match ever.

A Terrible Splendor: Three Extraordinary Men, a World Poised for War, and the Greatest Tennis Match Ever Played

by Marshall Jon Fisher

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1688 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	346 pages

Don Budge was the reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion, and the world's top-ranked player. He was a powerful server and volleyer, with a devastating forehand.

Fred Perry was a former Wimbledon and US Open champion, and a Davis Cup winner. He was a skilled all-court player, with a particularly strong backhand.

Bobby Riggs was a rising star in the tennis world. He was a talented shot-maker, with a quick wit and a flair for the dramatic.

The Match

The match was played on July 1, 1939, at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in New York City. The stadium was packed with a capacity crowd of over 14,000 people.

The match was a close and exciting affair, with both players playing at the top of their game. Budge eventually won the match in five sets, but Perry and Riggs gave him a run for his money.

The match is considered by many to be the greatest tennis match ever played. It was a clash of titans, and it showcased the best that tennis had to offer.

The World on the Brink of War

The match was played against the backdrop of a world on the brink of war. The Nazis had just occupied Czechoslovakia, and war seemed inevitable.

The tennis match was a welcome distraction from the grim realities of the world. It gave people a chance to forget about the war for a few hours and enjoy the beauty of the game.

The Legacy of the Match

The match is still remembered today as one of the greatest sporting events of all time. It is a reminder of the power of sport to bring people together and to provide hope in times of adversity.

The three men who played in the match are all considered to be among the greatest tennis players of all time. Budge went on to win the Grand Slam in 1938, becoming the first man to do so. Perry won Wimbledon three times and the US Open twice. Riggs won Wimbledon in 1939 and the US Open in 1941.

The match is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. It is a story of human resilience and the power of sport to bring people together.

A Terrible Splendor: Three Extraordinary Men, a World Poised for War, and the Greatest Tennis Match Ever Played

by Marshall Jon Fisher

4.5 out of 5