Former Wimbledon and US Open star to share tennis tour secrets at Oundle event
A former Wimbledon and US Open player whose memoir won the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award is set to visit Oundle for a special fundraising event later this year.
Conor Niland, a former Irish number one and captain of Ireland's Davis Cup team, will appear at Queen Victoria Hall in Oundle on September 11 to discuss his career and his award-winning book, The Racket.
The event is being organised jointly by Oundle Festival of Literature and Oundle Tennis Club, with proceeds helping to support both organisations and a donation also being made to the Johnny Reynolds Foundation.
Niland's book offers a behind-the-scenes look at professional tennis away from the sport's biggest stars. Drawing on his own experiences, he recounts life on the lower rungs of the professional tour, where players travel the world chasing ranking points and prize money in the hope of reaching the game's biggest stages.
During his career, Niland competed against some of the sport's greatest names, including Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic. His highest-profile appearances came in 2011 when he reached the main draws at both Wimbledon and the US Open before retiring the following year because of a recurring hip injury.
The evening in Oundle will see Niland interviewed by best-selling author Jack Meggitt-Phillips, followed by an audience question-and-answer session and book signing.
The Racket has received widespread critical acclaim since its publication, with reviewers praising its honest portrayal of the realities of life as a professional athlete outside the sport's elite ranks.
Doors will open at 6.50pm, with a bar available and copies of the book on sale. Discounted tickets are available for young tennis players, while the venue is fully wheelchair accessible.
Organisers are encouraging tennis fans, sports enthusiasts and readers to book early for what promises to be a fascinating insight into the hidden world of professional tennis.