BOOK REVIEW
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"Second Serve”
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The Roscoe Tanner Story is a compelling human interest story of triumph, tragedy and redemption.
I finished Tanner's story feeling inspired and hopeful.
This is one of the best autobiographies I have read.
Tanner writes in an engaging way that really brings you into his world.
I felt touched by his deep self-awareness, his acceptance of his responsibilities, and his road to reconciliation.
I wish him all the best!
A Beautiful Story
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2025
Mari B
"Get this Book"
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2025
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I’d recommend Roscoe Tanner’s memoir, “Second Serve: My Fall From Grace And Road To Reconciliation” to anyone who loves a great story of heart, whether they know anything about tennis or have even heard of Tanner before. It’s truly a pleasure to read.
Tanner takes readers on an incredibly vivid journey through his life, starting back at his childhood and bringing you all the way to the present day. The level of detail he is able to recall and is willing to share with the reader is incredible: everything from special meals he remembers eating, the names of so many people over the years, and specific plays he executed to maximize his signature serve. He even takes you behind the scenes into the reality of his experience behind bars.
If you’ve been following Tanner’s story or love a great nonfiction narrative, don’t miss this. It will keep you entertained for hours and would make a fun book to relax with on vacation.
Ameneh
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2025
I attended Stanford University a few years after Roscoe Tanner, so I naturally loved all the Stanford stuff in “Second Serve.” Even the dorm names were fun—like Roscoe, I lived in Wilbur Hall, as did John McEnroe after Tanner graduated. Lake Lagunita is where I learned how to sail. Like Roscoe, I also took dates to the Wharf in San Francisco.
"A fantastic Read"
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2025
I highly recommend Roscoe Tanner's memoir, Second Serve.
On a technical level, the narrative flows clearly and chronologically, providing a firsthand, informative account of the world of professional tennis. I enjoyed the details. For example, the first live televised men's finals from Wimbledon. Very rich stuff!
Additionally, by skillfully, consistently (and vulnerably) weaving heartfelt reflections on all aspects of his life (both personal and professional), Tanner succeeds in making an already interesting account universal.
I was able to connect with his ups, downs, and back up again!
Regarding his five daughters, Tanner writes in his acknowledgements: "I hope that one day we can all gather in one place to share our lives, have a lighthearted time, and be together as a family."
Roscoe Tanner, I hope this for you too!
Linda
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2025
The family background is limited and appropriate in size. And the tennis section is exceptional if you like the sport. It was a different era at the beginning of the open era. It is interesting that he recognized his career was ending much better than most. And this is where the "bad" Roscoe comes out.
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Yes, he was a womanizer. But he took it to extremes and now he's supporting many people right as his income is sinking. OK, "I'll catch up but I don't want to stop spending." And now the spiral starts and it's deep with him finally ending up in jail in Europe with no way out. Now, he's close with all his daughters (or is he exaggerating). He's life is in order, working hard, making a living. But, with this much history can he really stay on this path? Time will tell. I wish him well and thanks for a great read.
Rick Spell
