“An important contribution to sports collections.”-Brenda Barrera, Booklist
"Harris is not only knowledgeable about the sport, but that he is passionate about both the game and the issues surrounding blacks in tennis. This book will provide much needed insight into the matter of race in tennis and illustrates that while there has been much progress in that area, especially given the professional and social presence of Serena Williams, there is still much work to do to address the inequalities still in existence."-Guy Who Reviews Sports Books
“Cecil Harris has written an exhaustive, multifaceted look at tennis through an African American lens. He expertly details how the sport-despite producing the remarkable Williams sisters-still faces struggles in overcoming its troubling history regarding Black folks.”-Deron Snyder, sports columnist for the Washington Times
“Different Strokes is an expansive history of blacks in tennis that goes far beyond the names that we all know-Venus, Serena, Althea, and Arthur-and tells us about players on and off the court who have shaped the landscape of the sport. With an insider’s knowledge, Cecil Harris narrates a powerful story that goes up to present day, with candid behind-the-scenes anecdotes. It’s necessary reading for anyone who follows tennis and a vital addition to the chronicles of African Americans in sports.”-Nekesa Mumbi Moody, global entertainment editor for the Associated Press
“As Cecil Harris takes you back in time to highlight the struggles of past players and officials, he expertly notes the struggle today is just as harsh and much more subtle as he navigates you through the topic. Harris takes the reader by the mind in teaching a well-needed lesson. When he’s done, you are surprisingly well educated on the subject, whether you realize it or not. Professor Harris gets an A+.”-Tony Paige, former sports talk show host for WFAN Radio, New York
