Levels of the Game

John McPhee

November 1, 1979

John McPhee’s Levels of the Game is an acclaimed nonfiction book about tennis, the sport and its players. Spanning over thirty years, Levels of the Game captures four significant matches between a veteran professional player and a rising star, each of whom embody different yet distinguished tennis playing styles.At the heart of the book, however, is a portrait of the players and their deep understanding of the sport. McPhee employs a sort of ‘sheer reportage’ to bring the reader deep into the players’ minds, at each level of the game. He uses detailed analysis of the players’ physical movements, backstories, and mental attributes to piece together their playing styles, motives, confidence levels and ideologies, thus providing a compelling portrayal of the players both on and off the court.McPhee also dives into the history of the game, addressing issues of race and class in the world of competitive tennis. He does not limit himself to only this examination however, providing an in-depth look into the grueling and often exhausting nature of professional sports. Throughout Levels of the Game, McPhee utilizes his decades of experience as a sports journalist, interjecting little stories and anecdotes that humanize the game.Ultimately, in Levels of the Game, John McPhee presents a unique look into the fascinating world of professional tennis. He has created a captivating narrative that gives readers a glimpse into the emotions and mental fortitude of the greatest players in the sport, while still exploring the broader themes of sportsmanship, race and class. It is a truly remarkable book that is sure to captivate readers of all stripes.