Flossi & Buck Hold Center Court
"Levels of the Game" by John McPhee is an exceptional blend of sports journalism and literary non-fiction. Published in 1969, the book focuses on a single tennis match between Arthur Ashe and Clark Graebner during the 1968 U.S. Open, but McPhee uses this match as a lens through which to explore broader themes of race, class, and personality.
McPhee's narrative is more than just a blow-by-blow account of a tennis match. He skillfully interweaves the players' biographies, backgrounds, and psychological makeups, giving the reader a sense of who Ashe and Graebner are both on and off the court. McPhee uses the contrasting styles of the two players—Ashe's strategic, often improvisational play versus Graebner's more mechanical and methodical approach—as metaphors for the larger societal differences between them. The narrative structure deftly shifts between the on-court action and insightful explorations of the players' lives, offering a deep character study wrapped in the guise of a sports report.
One of the book's most profound accomplishments is how McPhee subtly yet powerfully addresses issues of race and class. As one of the first prominent African American tennis players, Arthur Ashe represents both the pressures and triumphs of breaking racial barriers in a traditionally white, upper-class sport. McPhee contrasts this with Clark Graebner, a white, middle-class player who, though highly skilled, does not carry the same sociopolitical weight as Ashe. The racial and cultural tensions of the 1960s are not overtly addressed but are ever-present, shaping the narrative and adding layers of meaning to the match itself.
McPhee masterfully develops both Ashe and Graebner as characters, making them real, multi-dimensional individuals. Ashe is depicted as thoughtful, reflective, and intensely aware of his role as a trailblazer. Graebner, on the other hand, is portrayed as a more straightforward, conventional player whose life and career follow a more predictable trajectory. McPhee does not judge either man; instead, he allows their personalities to emerge naturally from the narrative, giving readers a nuanced portrait of two athletes at the height of their careers.
The game of tennis itself serves as a metaphor for life, competition, and the nature of success. McPhee’s writing, rich with detail and nuance, elevates the tennis match to something more—an exploration of discipline, freedom, instinct, and calculation. The match becomes a stage for these deeper themes to play out, making the book accessible to tennis fans and readers who may have little interest in the sport but are drawn to the human drama.
Some readers might find McPhee's focus on minute details of the match tedious, especially those who need to become more familiar with tennis. The balance between action and analysis can sometimes feel uneven, with the match's pace interrupted by lengthy biographical asides. However, these asides make the book unique, elevating it from a simple sports story to a deeper exploration of human character.