Steve Flink discusses his new book on American tennis immortals
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 9:16 AM
Last updated Aug 11, 2026
Steve Flink, a veteran tennis journalist and Hall of Fame inductee, has released a new book, "The Immortals of American Tennis." The book focuses on the players who have made a lasting impact on the sport in the United States. Flink shares insights on 19 legendary players, including his criteria for their selection and his thoughts on notable omissions like Andy Roddick. In an interview this summer, he emphasized that true immortality in tennis is defined by both impact and influence, not solely by victories. Excerpts from the book detail the careers of players such as Arthur Ashe and Billie Jean King, showcasing their contributions to American tennis.
- •Flink profiles 19 significant American tennis players in his book.
- •He argues that immortality is defined by influence, not just titles.
- •Notable omissions include Andy Roddick and Stan Smith.
- •Flink's book combines male and female players' contributions.
- •The discussion expands on America's tennis legacy and its representation.
- 9:16 AMYahoo Sports — What makes a tennis player immortal? Book excerpt from ‘Immortals of American Tennis’ by Steve Flink
"When it comes to tennis journalists, Steve Flink is something of an immortal. He’s been covering the sport for more than 50 years. In 2017, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Flink, the author of “The Greatest Tennis Matches of the Twentieth Century” (1999) and “The Greatest Tennis Matches of All Time” (2012) has now turned to defining greatness on another plane: That of players, specifically in American tennis. In “The Immortals of American Tennis”, Flink has laid out h
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