The Racket wins Sports Book of the Year!

The Racket has been crowned the 2024 William Hill Sports Book of the Year! Conor Niland’s fascinating book takes the reader inside the real world of professional tennis.

In winning, The Racket becomes the first tennis book to clinch the world’s longest established and most valuable literary sports-writing prize. Meanwhile, former tennis professional Niland is the first author from the Republic of Ireland to win since 1990.

HEAR FROM THE WINNER

Niland said: “I’m floating. I can’t believe it. I felt like The Racket could have a chance, but to actually win the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award is just amazing.

“Tennis is something that gets quite serious quite early. It becomes your identity and you’re always defined by the number of your ranking. I hope this book helps young players and parents to understand the reality of tennis.

“I was fortunate enough to be just outside the top 100 so I caught glimpses of the very top, but I also spent a lot of time lower down the rankings which is why I was able to show both sides of the story in this book.”

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID

Alyson Rudd, Chair of the judging panel, said: “We are delighted to present Conor Niland with the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2024 for his astonishing autobiography, The Racket.

“This prize seeks to highlight the best in sports writing and there is no doubting the fact that Conor’s work is of the highest calibre, offering a fascinating insight into his career as a tennis professional.

“The book brings the reader into the world of elite sport, but also emphasises the relatable underdog story of an everyman fighting against the odds to fulfil their dreams.”

JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER WINNER

Conor Niland wasn’t the only winner announced at the awards. John Blair’s A Culture of Kits took home the Judge A Book By Its Cover award – which was voted for by the public.

The cover of his ‘Definitive Guide to Classic Football Shirt Collecting’ leaps out at you thanks to classic kits of Arsenal, West Germany, Scotland, Fiorentina and more.

Inside, the book is a fascinating exploration of the booming business and the growing culture surrounding vintage football shirts.

WHAT TO READ THIS MONTH

Check out the other five books that made the shortlist alongside The Racket:

• These Heavy Black Bones – Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell

The intensely powerful and unflinching story of the first Black woman to swim for Great Britain and her relationship with the sport she loves.

• When I Passed The Statue Of Liberty I Became Black – Harry Edward

A posthumous publication of the memoir of Britain’s first black Olympic medal winner, who lived on both sides of the Atlantic during the civil rights movement in the mid-20th century.

• My Beautiful Sisters – Khalida Popal

Popal’s gripping memoir about courage, the power of teamwork against all odds and the existence of hope in dark times as Kabul is recaptured by the Taliban.

• Unique – Dame Kelly Holmes

A fascinating insight into the double Olympic champion’s private life, from her early career in the military to reaching the pinnacle of her sport, while concealing her identity as a gay woman.

• Munichs – David Peace

The reimagined story of the 1958 Munich air crash, its aftermath, how it changed football and how Man Utd rose again.

WHAT’S NEXT?

With the winner crowned, now attention turns to the 2025 awards. Who will follow in Conor Niland’s footsteps next year? Keep an eye on @BookiePrize for more.