How to Become a Tennis No 1 by Anthony Wilding

In the 14 May 1912 edition of The Guardian newspaper, champion New Zealand tennis player Anthony Wilding’s book, On the Court and Off, was reviewed. That article is republished 109 years on, as part of the publication’s ‘From the archive’ series.

“[Wilding] gives away the secrets of the firm so generously that he is a true benefactor of all budding champions,” the then Guardian reported.

“It is really quite simple. Sound principles and hard work are the secret. But there are some preliminaries which one may suggest as helpful. To become champion you should equip yourself with a father who is himself a first-rate player, a kind but watchful coach, and properly anxious to make you champion; you will do well to be born in a climate like New Zealand’s, and to develop a physique that is a standing advertisement to the advantages of emigration. Provide yourself with a hard court and a grass court, so that you may practise both winter and summer, keep your hand and eye in by playing ‘Rugger’ and cricket in first-rate teams, and see that you have ample leisure. This will be a good foundation to work on.”

Wilding was a world No 1 tennis player and soldier who was killed in action during World War I.

Original article by The Guardian, May 14, 2021.

Photo by Agence Rol.