The Cruelest Game
Summary
Michael Kosta interviews journalist Matt Futterman about his new book, *The Cruelest Game*, which explores the psychological toll and unique pressures of professional tennis. They discuss the sport’s maddening scoring system, the intense family sacrifices required, and the mental struggles of players like Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff. Futterman shares insights on building trust with athletes and highlights the contrasting upbringings of stars like Jannik Sinner and Qinwen Zheng.
Topics discussed
Introduction and Matt Futterman's new book
The unique cruelty and structure of tennis
Player burnout and the pressure on young athletes
Journalistic access and the US Open protest
Jannik Sinner's background and training
The heartbreaking story of Qinwen Zheng
Writing the book and Futterman's career path
Czech tennis success and advice for writers
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