Strokes of Genius

by L. Jon Wertheim
Strokes of Genius cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Nonfiction
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  • ID: 9861
  • Added: 2026-01-03
  • Updated: 2026-01-03
  • ISBN: 9780547416496
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 2009-06-01
  • Reviews: 3

Strokes of Genius offers an in-depth analysis of the historic 2008 Wimbledon men's final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. This match, described as a four-hour, forty-eight-minute infomercial for everything right about tennis, was a festival of skill, accuracy, grace, strength, speed, endurance, determination, and sportsmanship. The book deconstructs this defining moment in sport, using the match as the backbone of a provocative, thoughtful, and entertaining look at the science, art, psychology, technology, strategy, and personality that go into a single tennis match. With vivid, intimate detail, the author re-creates this epic battle, providing a study of the mechanics and art of the game and a portrait of a rivalry as dramatic as that of Ali–Frazier, Palmer–Nicklaus, and McEnroe–Borg. The book illuminates a kingdom changing hands and offers an engrossing look at the factors that define contemporary tennis.

Reviews
Blinkist · 2026-01-03
informative 4.25

The book is noted for its meticulous research and captivating storytelling. It explores the contrasting playing styles and intense matches of the players.

The reviewer highlights the meticulous research and captivating storytelling as key strengths of the book. They appreciate the detailed exploration of the contrasting playing styles and intense matches of the players. The book is seen as a comprehensive study of the sport, offering insights into the impact the players have had on tennis. The reviewer finds the book to be an engaging and informative read that goes beyond just recounting the match, providing a deeper understanding of the sport and its key figures.

Quick quotes

    Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, the book explores their contrasting playing styles, intense matches, and the impact they have had on the sport.

    The book is a comprehensive study of the sport, offering insights into the impact the players have had on tennis.

    An engaging and informative read that goes beyond just recounting the match.

Houston Chronicle · Joel Drucker · 2026-01-03
compelling 4.50

The book is centered around an incredible match, with the author providing vivid and intimate details. The reviewer appreciates the study of the mechanics and art of the game.

Joel Drucker emphasizes the incredible match as the centerpiece of the book. He praises the author for providing vivid and intimate details that bring the match to life. The reviewer appreciates the book's dual focus on the mechanics and art of the game, as well as the portrait of the players involved. Drucker finds the book to be a compelling exploration of one of the most iconic matches in tennis history, offering insights into the sport and its key figures.

Quick quotes

    But most of all, it's the incredible match that's the centerpiece.

    Wertheim re-creates this epic battle in a book that is both a study of the mechanics and art of the game.

    The portrait of a rivalry that transcends the sport.

SportsBookGuy Blog · 2013-08-23
engaging 4.00

The book is praised for its rich prose and detailed exploration of the match and the players' lifestyles. The writing style is engaging and vivid, making the book a captivating read.

The reviewer highlights the rich prose and style of writing as the standout feature of the book. They appreciate how the author paints a vivid picture of the match and the players' lifestyles, making the book both informative and entertaining. The detailed exploration of the game and the personalities involved is particularly noteworthy. The reviewer finds the book to be a captivating read that goes beyond just recounting the match, offering a deeper understanding of the sport and its key figures.

Quick quotes

    Many, but the best is the rich prose and style of writing.

    Wertheim paints a picture on each topic, from the game itself to Nadal's lifestyle.

    The book is a captivating read that goes beyond just recounting the match.

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