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Three Extraordinary Men: World Poised For War And The Greatest Tennis Match Ever

Jacques Bell

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Published in A Terrible Splendor: Three Extraordinary Men A World Poised For War And The Greatest Tennis Match Ever Played

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As the world teetered on the brink of World War II, three extraordinary men found themselves at the center of a momentous event that would forever be etched in the annals of history. In July 1939, as the clouds of war gathered over Europe, two of the greatest tennis players of all time, Fred Perry and Gottfried von Cramm, faced off in a match that would become known as the "Match of the Century."

A Terrible Splendor: Three Extraordinary Men, a World Poised for War, and the Greatest Tennis Match Ever Played

by Marshall Jon Fisher

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1688 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	346 pages

Perry, a British national, was the reigning Wimbledon champion and the world's top-ranked player. Von Cramm, a German aristocrat, was a charismatic and highly skilled player who represented his country with pride. Beyond their athletic prowess, both men were also complex and fascinating individuals with unique perspectives on the tumultuous world around them.

The stage for this epic encounter was the Wimbledon Championships, the world's most prestigious tennis tournament. As the two players took to the court, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd was packed with a mix of British and German spectators, each cheering for their respective countrymen. The match was played over two days, and each set was fiercely contested. The tension was palpable as the players pushed themselves to the limit.

In the end, it was Perry who emerged victorious, winning the match in five sets. The crowd erupted in a thunderous applause, recognizing the brilliance of both players and the significance of the occasion. The "Match of the Century" had not only been a thrilling sporting event but also a powerful symbol of hope and unity in a world on the brink of war.

But the story of these three extraordinary men does not end there. As the war engulfed Europe, their lives took dramatic and unexpected turns. Perry enlisted in the Royal Air Force and served with distinction as a fighter pilot. Von Cramm was conscripted into the German army, where he was captured and imprisoned by the British. McEnroe, who would later become one of the greatest tennis players of all time, was born just a few weeks after the "Match of the Century," and his own life would be shaped by the legacy of that historic event.

In "Three Extraordinary Men," acclaimed author John Carlin weaves together the compelling stories of Perry, von Cramm, and McEnroe, against the backdrop of one of the most tumultuous periods in human history. Through meticulously researched and vividly written prose, Carlin brings to life the personalities, passions, and challenges of these three iconic figures.

This book is not only a gripping sports narrative but also a profound meditation on the human condition. It is a story of friendship, rivalry, courage, and resilience. It is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. If you are interested in history, tennis, or simply great storytelling, then "Three Extraordinary Men" is a must-read.

A Terrible Splendor: Three Extraordinary Men, a World Poised for War, and the Greatest Tennis Match Ever Played

by Marshall Jon Fisher

4.5 out of 5