Imagine Roger Federer's tennis as a classic Greek sculpture and Rafael Nadal's as prehistoric cave paintings. Picture Lady Pink, the first lady of graffiti, painting Serena Williams. How many ways can a tennis player be a work of art?

Drawing on expertise as a Professor of Humanities and a nationally ranked tennis player, David Linebarger delves into this intriguing question. In his exploration through art, literature, music, religion, and mythology, Linebarger examines the boundaries between athleticism and artistic expression. Over forty contemporary artists contribute their unique perspectives, adding depth and diversity to the discussion.

Each short piece in this collection is creative, lyrical, insightful, and occasionally surprising. Through Linebarger's narrative and the artists' visions, readers will discover a new lens through which to view tennis-a sport elevated to the realm of cultural and artistic significance.

Tennis Players as Works of Art promises to transform your understanding of tennis, revealing the sport as a canvas where athleticism and creativity converge in unexpected and profound ways.