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Wimbledon: A Personal History
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320 pages, Hardcover
Published June 6, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 9, 2025
Enjoyable read, adding to my tennis and Wimbledon knowledge!
August 3, 2025
Another book that I felt wouldn’t have been published without a big name on the cover.
It was only in the chapter about the Williams sisters that we got a glimpse of how their childhood is subsumed by tennis, although she claims that the sisters thought it was all fun.
Not sure that the final editing was very thorough. In the Agassi chapter she claimed that he was the first baseline to win Wimbledon, can’t remember Bjorg rushing the net very often. Also mentioned that he wrote the earring to impress Steffi Graf at the winners ball, but according to Sue, he was wearing this early in his career and bought a tux to impress her.
For my taste there is too much flag waving, making sure everyone put Wimbledon as the premier tournament and praise for the royal family.
Also Novak, who has a claim to be, at least, one of the best three male players, if not the GOAT, barely gets a mention, perhaps not a mate of Sue.
Summing up, didn’t learn a great deal about the players that wasn’t already known, bland and inoffensive.
It was only in the chapter about the Williams sisters that we got a glimpse of how their childhood is subsumed by tennis, although she claims that the sisters thought it was all fun.
Not sure that the final editing was very thorough. In the Agassi chapter she claimed that he was the first baseline to win Wimbledon, can’t remember Bjorg rushing the net very often. Also mentioned that he wrote the earring to impress Steffi Graf at the winners ball, but according to Sue, he was wearing this early in his career and bought a tux to impress her.
For my taste there is too much flag waving, making sure everyone put Wimbledon as the premier tournament and praise for the royal family.
Also Novak, who has a claim to be, at least, one of the best three male players, if not the GOAT, barely gets a mention, perhaps not a mate of Sue.
Summing up, didn’t learn a great deal about the players that wasn’t already known, bland and inoffensive.
June 25, 2024
A great read, that has sparked great memories of sitting with my parents and grandparents watching Wimbledon during the 80's and 90's .
I'm a huge tennis fan so read this book just in time as Wimbledon starts on 01/07/24.
I'm a huge tennis fan so read this book just in time as Wimbledon starts on 01/07/24.
August 29, 2024
This was a really interesting audiobook that brought back a lot of happy memories of watching Wimbledon over the years.
I enjoyed hearing Sue Barker talk about her journey as a tennis player and then broadcaster, as she spoke about the greats from the world of tennis and their journeys.
My favourite chapters were about Björn Borg, John McEnroe and Tim Henman.
I didn’t realise that Borg and McEnroe were good friends, and not rivals like they were on the courts. I also didn’t realise that the reason Borg retired was because of the intense media coverage about his personal life. This was obviously long before social media was around, but just as damaging. I think he was one of the first players I ever watched.
I must admit that I wasn’t keen on McEnroe when he first appeared at Wimbledon, because of all the tantrums and his ‘Super Brat’ personality. So it was actually really good to hear Sue Barker talk about her friendship with him and his own recollections of that time.
One particular moment that changed the way he played was when Borg told him quietly across the net to stop misbehaving. Borg understood McEnroe because he’d also had a temper when he was younger, so knew what was going on in his opponent’s mind and really helped him.
Another really interesting bit of information I loved was that Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders wrote Don’t Get Me Wrong about McEnroe, because she was frustrated about the way people misunderstood him.
I loved the short chapter about Tim Henman, and I was very glad to hear I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t bear to watch when he played. It was just so nerve- wracking.
It was lovely to have Sue Barker reading her book, but I must admit it wasn’t always easy to follow when the interviews had ended, which wouldn’t have been an issue in a different format.
I enjoyed hearing Sue Barker talk about her journey as a tennis player and then broadcaster, as she spoke about the greats from the world of tennis and their journeys.
My favourite chapters were about Björn Borg, John McEnroe and Tim Henman.
I didn’t realise that Borg and McEnroe were good friends, and not rivals like they were on the courts. I also didn’t realise that the reason Borg retired was because of the intense media coverage about his personal life. This was obviously long before social media was around, but just as damaging. I think he was one of the first players I ever watched.
I must admit that I wasn’t keen on McEnroe when he first appeared at Wimbledon, because of all the tantrums and his ‘Super Brat’ personality. So it was actually really good to hear Sue Barker talk about her friendship with him and his own recollections of that time.
One particular moment that changed the way he played was when Borg told him quietly across the net to stop misbehaving. Borg understood McEnroe because he’d also had a temper when he was younger, so knew what was going on in his opponent’s mind and really helped him.
Another really interesting bit of information I loved was that Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders wrote Don’t Get Me Wrong about McEnroe, because she was frustrated about the way people misunderstood him.
I loved the short chapter about Tim Henman, and I was very glad to hear I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t bear to watch when he played. It was just so nerve- wracking.
It was lovely to have Sue Barker reading her book, but I must admit it wasn’t always easy to follow when the interviews had ended, which wouldn’t have been an issue in a different format.
November 16, 2024
There was quite a lot of cross over over between this book and Sue's autobiography. I found myself skipping over the parts that I'd read just recently in 'Calling the Shots'.
I found the book interesting, but I'm not sure it was 'what it said on the tin'. I thought this was going to focus on Wimbledon, and it would be full of Wimbledon facts and stats and player stories directly related to Wimbledon, behind the scenes on presenting at Wimbeldon or the traditions and rules of Wimbledon. For me, Sue is one of the defining elements of Wimbledon. Even now, if I think of Wimbledon, I think of the white outfits, strawberries, green grass, and Sue. And I suppose this book was Wimbeldon for Sue, but for me, I think it lost focus at times.
I found the choice to write the book in chapters by player instead of theme hindered it. There were some player chapters with barely any content because there was maybe one small story that was being included, but the player had to have a whole chapter about them.
I wondered why the Emma Raducanu one was included. It felt like that one was tacked on the end to make one pointed point about her career choices and then had barely any relation to Wimbledon.
There was so much page time given to the players of Sue's playing era, full career breakdowns, and full personal backstories about each player, which were interesting, but I wasn't rushing back to the book. Quite a bit of this period had been covered in Sue's autobiography, so it felt like I was reading some of it for the second time.
Huge passages about Chris Evert's junior career, career outside Wimbledon, and even her love life, Martina's personal challenges, were included, which weren't related to Wimbledon. Yet by the latter section, players like Roger Federer just had a few stories and nice words with no mention of anything remotely personal or any backstory. The focus kept changing. Was it highlighting the players who had had Wimbledon success, or was it telling the story of Wimbledon and just mentioning those players in terms of impact on that event.
It felt like chapters by theme would have been better. Instead of a chapter on Billie Jean King, do one on the development of the women's game, best finals, rivalries, celebrations, etc... even one on Sue's personal heroes to give the extra coverage on Rod Laver, or players in her era to cover Chrissie and Martina.
A lot of it was supported by sections of other people's autobiographies, which gave the stories some gravitas, but it felt like a documentary for TV that someone had just captured in a book for some extra ££.
I did enjoy the facts and stats throughout, knowing about the changing grass and how that affected the game, for example.
Overall, I did enjoy it, and as a tennis fan in general, it was interesting. But I wanted to be saturated in the world of Wimbledon, and I don't think this book did that entirely. I also think that for people who had already read Sue's autobiography, there was a lot of repetition.
I found the book interesting, but I'm not sure it was 'what it said on the tin'. I thought this was going to focus on Wimbledon, and it would be full of Wimbledon facts and stats and player stories directly related to Wimbledon, behind the scenes on presenting at Wimbeldon or the traditions and rules of Wimbledon. For me, Sue is one of the defining elements of Wimbledon. Even now, if I think of Wimbledon, I think of the white outfits, strawberries, green grass, and Sue. And I suppose this book was Wimbeldon for Sue, but for me, I think it lost focus at times.
I found the choice to write the book in chapters by player instead of theme hindered it. There were some player chapters with barely any content because there was maybe one small story that was being included, but the player had to have a whole chapter about them.
I wondered why the Emma Raducanu one was included. It felt like that one was tacked on the end to make one pointed point about her career choices and then had barely any relation to Wimbledon.
There was so much page time given to the players of Sue's playing era, full career breakdowns, and full personal backstories about each player, which were interesting, but I wasn't rushing back to the book. Quite a bit of this period had been covered in Sue's autobiography, so it felt like I was reading some of it for the second time.
Huge passages about Chris Evert's junior career, career outside Wimbledon, and even her love life, Martina's personal challenges, were included, which weren't related to Wimbledon. Yet by the latter section, players like Roger Federer just had a few stories and nice words with no mention of anything remotely personal or any backstory. The focus kept changing. Was it highlighting the players who had had Wimbledon success, or was it telling the story of Wimbledon and just mentioning those players in terms of impact on that event.
It felt like chapters by theme would have been better. Instead of a chapter on Billie Jean King, do one on the development of the women's game, best finals, rivalries, celebrations, etc... even one on Sue's personal heroes to give the extra coverage on Rod Laver, or players in her era to cover Chrissie and Martina.
A lot of it was supported by sections of other people's autobiographies, which gave the stories some gravitas, but it felt like a documentary for TV that someone had just captured in a book for some extra ££.
I did enjoy the facts and stats throughout, knowing about the changing grass and how that affected the game, for example.
Overall, I did enjoy it, and as a tennis fan in general, it was interesting. But I wanted to be saturated in the world of Wimbledon, and I don't think this book did that entirely. I also think that for people who had already read Sue's autobiography, there was a lot of repetition.
July 17, 2024
In case you don’t know this about me, I love Tennis especially Wimbledon and since I found my love for it at school there was nothing better then rushing home at the end of the day and turning on the TV and finding countless matches going on at once and picking the one I wanted to get stuck into and there at the helm of the BBC coverage was Sue Barker; with her countless enthusiasm, passion and knowledge she was always there to talk you through the action I missed and the endless facts. When it was announced that Wimbledon 2022 would be her last It was a sad say in my house knowing that I would miss Sue being on the screen for 2 weeks to take us through the action.
This Book is a continuation from her memoir “Calling the Shots” and this one takes a deeper dive into the Broadcasting side of her job as well as reliving the memories from Players that Sue Played with when she was a player herself as well and the stars she has watched whilst in the presenting chair and then catting to them court side in many cases. This was the perfect book to dive into whilst the Wimbledon fortnight was on TV and listening via Audio Book was perfect to hear Sue’s Voice once again.
This is exactly the kind of book that is PERFECT on audio! Sue Barker’s voice IS summer for me, after growing up watching her Wimbledon broadcasts every July, and since she isn’t on our screens anymore (except for at the most special occasions), it’s nice to hear from her again! I also love how varied her experiences are and how forthright she is with some of her opinions.
A Thoroughly enjoyable read and Listen and the perfect dose of Tennis!
This Book is a continuation from her memoir “Calling the Shots” and this one takes a deeper dive into the Broadcasting side of her job as well as reliving the memories from Players that Sue Played with when she was a player herself as well and the stars she has watched whilst in the presenting chair and then catting to them court side in many cases. This was the perfect book to dive into whilst the Wimbledon fortnight was on TV and listening via Audio Book was perfect to hear Sue’s Voice once again.
This is exactly the kind of book that is PERFECT on audio! Sue Barker’s voice IS summer for me, after growing up watching her Wimbledon broadcasts every July, and since she isn’t on our screens anymore (except for at the most special occasions), it’s nice to hear from her again! I also love how varied her experiences are and how forthright she is with some of her opinions.
A Thoroughly enjoyable read and Listen and the perfect dose of Tennis!
July 10, 2024
‘Wimbledon: A Personal History’ by Sue Barker is the tennis player-turned-broadcaster-turned-mega fan’s second memoir, which instead of relaying her life story chronologically tells the story of the Wimbledon Championships through her eyes. Structured in chapters focusing on her contemporaries and modern legends, this book captures so well the magic of the very best Grand slam!
This is exactly the kind of book that is PERFECT on audio! Sue Barker’s voice IS summer for me, after growing up watching her Wimbledon broadcasts every July, and since she isn’t on our screens any more (except for at the most special occasions - I loved her part in Andy Murray’s retirement celebration on Centre Court this year), it’s nice to hear from her again! I also love how varied her experiences are and how forthright she is with some of her opinions.
If I had one criticism, it would be that more recent players get shorter chapters than those from days gone by. Even though I’m really not one of his fans off court, given the features on the other three from the so-called “Big Four” and his supreme achievements, a Djokovic chapter is conspicuous in its absence. Giving four stars overall.
This is exactly the kind of book that is PERFECT on audio! Sue Barker’s voice IS summer for me, after growing up watching her Wimbledon broadcasts every July, and since she isn’t on our screens any more (except for at the most special occasions - I loved her part in Andy Murray’s retirement celebration on Centre Court this year), it’s nice to hear from her again! I also love how varied her experiences are and how forthright she is with some of her opinions.
If I had one criticism, it would be that more recent players get shorter chapters than those from days gone by. Even though I’m really not one of his fans off court, given the features on the other three from the so-called “Big Four” and his supreme achievements, a Djokovic chapter is conspicuous in its absence. Giving four stars overall.
September 30, 2024
This book was a pleasant surprise. Sue Barker will forever be associated with Wimbledon but after reading her autobiography last year I must admit I thought she was the latest sports star to cash in on success with a lightweight revamp in a different format.
Far from it, this is delightful, full of fabulous anecdotes along with very good descriptions of who the key players have been at Wimbledon in Barker's time as commentator and player. There are also personal observations, all in her affectionate manner, which nonetheless reveal a lot about players, Edberg declining an interview because he had already spoken to the BBC (actually a local reporter!) or Tim Henman teaching Boris Becker how to apply make up during COVID.
Interwoven throughout is her love of the tournament and her friendships with most of those who have player or been involved, which makes you race through the book with a smile on your face.
So much is new and well thought through and at the end you feel you know a lot more about the venue, the tournament and those who participate in it. For the well structure nature of the book credit must also go to co-writer Sarah Edworthy.
Far from it, this is delightful, full of fabulous anecdotes along with very good descriptions of who the key players have been at Wimbledon in Barker's time as commentator and player. There are also personal observations, all in her affectionate manner, which nonetheless reveal a lot about players, Edberg declining an interview because he had already spoken to the BBC (actually a local reporter!) or Tim Henman teaching Boris Becker how to apply make up during COVID.
Interwoven throughout is her love of the tournament and her friendships with most of those who have player or been involved, which makes you race through the book with a smile on your face.
So much is new and well thought through and at the end you feel you know a lot more about the venue, the tournament and those who participate in it. For the well structure nature of the book credit must also go to co-writer Sarah Edworthy.
July 8, 2025
A good memory trip back to Wimbledon and the matches that I've loved to watch over the years and the memories of me crying with Andy Murray, jelena novotna when they lost in the semifinals and then won the Wimbledon titles later on.
Sue Barker has written a very factual book about the magic and the personal history of her time not only playing tennis at Wimbledon as a British female tennis player but also as a sport pundit , but I feel that there wasn't enough personal memories from her not on her behalf and that's why I'm giving this a four star read.
It's still a really good read and I've enjoyed reading about some of my favourite tennis players in Andre Agassi, Goran , Jamie Murray as well as Monica Seles, Steffi Graf and the William sisters who have all been power houses in the world of tennis. But my favourite memory is what she's written about Andy Murray she writes out with a pregnancy and then was such celebration when he finally wins the Wimbledon title and that is probably my favourite part of the book.
Sue Barker has written a very factual book about the magic and the personal history of her time not only playing tennis at Wimbledon as a British female tennis player but also as a sport pundit , but I feel that there wasn't enough personal memories from her not on her behalf and that's why I'm giving this a four star read.
It's still a really good read and I've enjoyed reading about some of my favourite tennis players in Andre Agassi, Goran , Jamie Murray as well as Monica Seles, Steffi Graf and the William sisters who have all been power houses in the world of tennis. But my favourite memory is what she's written about Andy Murray she writes out with a pregnancy and then was such celebration when he finally wins the Wimbledon title and that is probably my favourite part of the book.
November 5, 2024
It is a very entertaining reading - history of Wimbledon through the eyes of Sue Barker, once the top player herself, who then covered the tournament on BBC for many years after her sports career finished. I enjoyed the honesty with which Sue is telling the story. Amazing how tennis has changed over the years! From the frocks the female players
Carefully selected to tennis rackets and the serve technique. I found particularly interesting the stories about the early Wimbledon competitors, ie, a journey through 1950’s to 1970’s. I won’t add spoilers here, but quite a few facts I had no idea about! Less fascinating about the later players, either because we know them or they haven’t become the legends yet.
Carefully selected to tennis rackets and the serve technique. I found particularly interesting the stories about the early Wimbledon competitors, ie, a journey through 1950’s to 1970’s. I won’t add spoilers here, but quite a few facts I had no idea about! Less fascinating about the later players, either because we know them or they haven’t become the legends yet.
July 14, 2024
Another interesting and insightful book from our lovely tennis champion (French Open and BBC legend). Sue has been there for some of the most amazing moments in Open era tennis. Her playing years alongside Billie Jean King, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova then leading the BBC on their coverage of Sampras / Agassi days, the Williams sisters and into the Fedal era. Her knowledge of Wimbledon the place and the players who have found greatness there is unmatchable. Her writing style is easy on the eyes and filled with the kind of facts and figures us tennis fans love.
June 29, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sue is a brilliant writer and her knowledge and experiences as a player, friend and rival of the other greats, and as a broadcaster make for an excellent and insightful read.
The perfect book for before the 2024 championships!
The perfect book for before the 2024 championships!
June 21, 2024
Easy read and thoroughly enjoyable.
July 19, 2024
Easy and fun read. I wish we got more of her story than the story of famous players.
September 11, 2024
As a massive tennis fan, I absolutely loved this!
April 7, 2025
Outstanding
August 4, 2025
An interesting read for a Wimbledon fan
July 27, 2025
If you love tennis, you will love this fascinating book by Sue Barker which gives inside into the tournament and players over the years. A joy to listen to Sue telling her story.
July 26, 2024
I absolutely loved this. As a great fan of Wimbledon from the 80’s, it was very informative about the inside of Wimbledon.
Truly great read for any fan.
Truly great read for any fan.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews