Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- How wind silently affects a tennis match
- Why sweating can be a game-changer
- About unseen brutality of tennis qualifiers
- The two unique visions of professional players
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
String Theory is a series of David Foster Wallace’s articles on tennis
Tennis is arguably the most difficult sport in that it isolates the player. Just as chess is a game no one can help you play, in tennis, you cannot enlist the help of anyone else. In fact, tennis is tougher in that it requires the unity of mind and body.Growing up in Illinois, David Foster Wallace learned to play tennis using the weather conditions to his advantage. He always timed his game to make the ball move in the direction of the wind. By choosing not to control the ball but guiding it using the wind, he was able to win many games as a junior tennis player.
The performance of top athletes holds everyone in awe because they appear to be able to move in ways that humans shouldn’t be capable of. However, achieving such a level of proficiency usually comes at great cost. They have to be able to give up not just their childhood but other beautiful things in life to be able to devote their time and attention to the game of tennis.
When training meets talent until the practice becomes automatic, the result is impeccable performance.
In this summary, you will discover the thoughts of an English wordsmith par excellence on a sport he idolizes. It is impossible to read these without falling in love with tennis if you haven’t already. And if you’re a fan, Wallace’s romanticism will fill you with a blend of nostalgia and affection.
second KEY POINT
David Foster Wallace was much more than an American Author
David Foster Wallace is well known as the famous American author. What many don't know is that he was once a genius on the tennis courts. If fate had dealt him other cards, he would have become a professional tennis player, considering that he started out life as a ranked junior tennis player.The other kids Wallace grew up with named him “Slug,” a nickname that was both a compliment and a diss at the same time. Wallace appeared lazy and slow at his tennis gameplay, but somehow, he always managed to win his matches. By Wallace’s account, the secret of his success in tennis, as a kid growing up in Philo, Illinois; a city known for its windy climate, was the winds! He never fought the winds when he played his tennis matches, he simply aligned his play with the winds.Wallace had a “windy” strategy he used regularly to win his tennis matches. Other kids might understand tennis technicalities more than him; for instance, successfully throwing off serves into extreme corners of the tennis court with regularity; his strategic response was always the same. He would return the serves with very high lobs: slow and straight, and watch as the winds wrecked his opponent’s play.Wallace had other ways he took advantage of his town's unique atmosphere. For instance, whenever he rode his beloved push bike into town, he would have his outstretched arm, on top of which a book sat, and aided by the winds, as a sail. Of course, his town folks always marveled at the stunt.
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first KEY POINT
Whichever way you look at it, tennis stars are no accidents
second KEY POINT
There are no shortcuts to turning professional in tennis — requires a lot of hard work and ability
third KEY POINT
Autobiographies by top athletes are usually boring because being boring made them great athletes in the first place
fourth KEY POINT
Roger Federer made old school tennis mainstream again
fifth KEY POINT
Conclusion
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Frequently asked questions
What is String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis about?
String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis explores the complexities of professional tennis while offering insights into the human experience. The book intertwines Wallace's observations on the sport with deeper philosophical reflections, showcasing his distinctive narrative style.
What are the key takeaways from String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis?
Key takeaways from String Theory include the detailed examination of tennis as both a sport and a metaphor for life. Wallace captures the nuances of competition, success, and personal struggle, making it a compelling read for sports enthusiasts and those interested in life's larger questions.
Is String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis worth reading?
Yes, String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis is worth reading for both tennis fans and anyone interested in Wallace's unique literary voice. The book not only provides an engaging commentary on tennis but also enriches readers with philosophical insights that resonate beyond the sport.
How many pages is String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis and when was it published?
String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis consists of approximately 140 pages and was first published in 2006. This length makes it a manageable yet thought-provoking read, suitable for both quick consumption and deeper reflection.
Who is the author of String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis?
The author of String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis is David Foster Wallace, an acclaimed writer known for his insightful essays and novels. His unique style and profound observations make this book a significant contribution to both literature and sports commentary.