The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Tennis is an outstanding publication, which profiles the biggest personalities of the game and includes over 150 top stars: analysis of tennis's greatest matches; world famous tournaments and global development apart from the scandals and controversies, politics and the oddities of Tennis.

In the introductory chapter, we have been informed that much of this book focuses on the players, past and present, the places and the events which automatically write themselves into sporting history. Names such as Suzanne Lenglen, Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras, Steffi Graff through to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic of today.

Besides the above, the book also looks at the commercial and show business sides of tennis, the evolution of modern rackets, and changes in playing styles. Along the way, it recalls the extraordinary incidents, some serious, some amusing, which fill the cupboard of tennis memories. Like the game itself, The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Tennis aims to provide something for everyone.

The history of tennis, according to the authors, overflows with great champions from all parts of the world. The potted biographies which follow underline the rich breadth of fine players, from one generation to the next, from all round the world, who have contributed immensely to the appeal of a sport no longer restricted by social barriers. Chris Evert has been profiled as "Mention the name Chris Evert in tennis circles and three qualities in particular immediately come to mind: concentration, determination and sophistication. In a career spanning 19 years, Christine Marie Evert set a whole series of records that only an even more exceptional champion, Martina Navratilova, has broken."

In a chapter, Legends of the Court, we have been informed that Steffi Graf not only won more major titles than her contemporaries but accomplished the same against the background of considerable strain and stress both on and off court.

In a chapter on the great matches, Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal, the third consecutive Wimbledon Final between the two best players in the World in 2008, has produced one of the greatest tennis spectacles ever.

The Foreword has been written by former British No.1 and world No.4 Tim Henman, now a respected commentator and analyst. "Players themselves provide the backbone of the sport as readers will discover going through these pages. Many may not realize the depth which exists within the sport these days, and the history and traditions which have been established over a century of activity. The ups and downs of the great tournaments, the evolution of the rules themselves and the commercialism which now prevails, are all covered in this excellent book."

The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Tennis is the definite work of tennis reference, providing a detailed overview of this spectacular global sport.

This is a fascinating book, having excellent photographs and pleasantly produced. Thoroughly researched and immensely readable, the book is recommended to tennis enthusiasts without the slightest hesitation.

According to The Independent, this book is diligently researched and written with enthusiasm.