RIP John Feinstein

[buscemi]

IMO, Feinstein wrote one of the best books of tennis journalism in history, "Hard Courts," which followed the men's and women's tours in 1990. I particularly remember the chapters about McEnroe's disqualification at the 1990 Australian Open, the wins by old man Gómez and young girl Seles at the French Open, and Sampras's progress throughout the year, culminating in being crowned at the U.S. Open. Kind of prophetically, Feinstein subtitled his book, "A Season on the Brink," presaging the shift from the stars of the '80s giving way to the next generation of players and the emerging power game of the '90s.

 

[MaxTennis]

IMO, Feinstein wrote one of the best books of tennis journalism in history, "Hard Courts," which followed the men's and women's tours in 1990. I particularly remember the chapters about McEnroe's disqualification at the 1990 Australian Open, the wins by old man Gómez and young girl Seles at the French Open, and Sampras's progress throughout the year, culminating in being crowned at the U.S. Open. Kind of prophetically, Feinstein subtitled his book, "A Season on the Brink," presaging the shift from the stars of the '80s giving way to the next generation of players and the emerging power game of the '90s.

Great book, I remember checking it out from the library as a kid. RIP John Feinstein

 

[TennisLBC]

I have this book on my shelf. Great book. Feinstein is an amazing writer when it comes to writing about sport. He also wrote "A Good Walk Spoiled" about the PGA Tour published 30 years ago. Rest In Peace, John.

 

[marc45]

sad...read the tennis book...it was so hard back then to get a book on tennis or a lot of reading material outside of a few magazines...little journalism going on, and not anywhere near a full schedule of tournaments on tv....now we have a myriad of options

his book and relationship on and with Bobby Knight will likely be the most remembered

 

[JMR]

IMO, Feinstein wrote one of the best books of tennis journalism in history, "Hard Courts," which followed the men's and women's tours in 1990. I particularly remember the chapters about McEnroe's disqualification at the 1990 Australian Open, the wins by old man Gómez and young girl Seles at the French Open, and Sampras's progress throughout the year, culminating in being crowned at the U.S. Open. Kind of prophetically, Feinstein subtitled his book, "A Season on the Brink," presaging the shift from the stars of the '80s giving way to the next generation of players and the emerging power game of the '90s.

A Season on the Brink was an entirely separate book, about basketball. It's not the subtitle of Hard Courts. (Look at the cover: It says, "Author of ....")

 

[buscemi]

A Season on the Brink was an entirely separate book, about basketball. It's not the subtitle of Hard Courts. (Look at the cover: It says, "Author of ....")

Good point. Thanks.

 

[BumElbow]

I met John Feinstein when I worked in the press box of the U.S. Open many years ago. He was a really nice guy. However, the tennis press did not like him because in his books, he portrayed tennis in a negative light.

 

[TheFifthSet]

That reeks, he was great - have books he wrote on several different sports, always a hit.

 

[norcal]

Still have that book, loved it.
RIP John.

 

[Subway Tennis]

I met John Feinstein when I worked in the press box of the U.S. Open many years ago. He was a really nice guy. However, the tennis press did not like him because in his books, he portrayed tennis in a negative light.

Generally you can tell the quality of a journalist writing about tennis by their relationship with the sport. If they’re considered an outsider, they’re probably one of the few writers / journalists who is actually covering the sport warts and all.

Total opposite of 99.8% of tennis writers who are embedded on the tour as hype artists / freelance marketeers and enjoying the lifestyle and making sure they’re not rocking the boat.

R.I.P. to a great writer, with an amazing legacy. He wrote about tennis during such a historic time and he got right to the heart of the matter making his reporting and writing some of the most important from that time.

 

[Bill Lobsalot]

He was a credible golf commentator. A real journalist not many left. RIP./