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Katonah Resident's New Book Tells Tales Of Tennis Legends

KATONAH, N.Y. -- When Judy Aydelott couldn't play tennis anymore, she needed a Plan B.

Judy Aydelott.

Judy Aydelott.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Aydelott, who lives in Katonah, recently published "The Sport Of A Lifetime," which features 28 tennis players telling stories about their time in and out of the game. 

Three years ago, Aydelott developed an autoimmune condition causing her muscles to become inflamed, preventing her from playing tennis.

"Since I can't play, I'm going to write about tennis," Aydelott, who had played for years with her husband, said. "It was the most wonderful experience."

Some of the tennis players interviewed include Gardnar Mulloy, who won several Grand Slam doubles titles. In 1951 at Wimbledon, Mulloy met then-Princess Elizabeth and asked her why never came to his tennis matches. A hostess told Mulloy the princess was too busy to come to a tennis match. 

"I thought it was because she couldn't get a ticket," Mulloy quipped. "I'd be happy to get her a ticket."

Later, Mulloy won a doubles title at Wimbledon with Elizabeth presenting him the trophy.

"I was late today," Elizabeth said. "You couldn't get me a ticket."

Aydelott also spoke to Fred Kovaleski who used tennis as a cover for his time in the CIA, inspiring the TV show, "I Spy." 

She also spoke to a group of men in their 60s and 70s who play at the Saw Mill Club in Mount Kisco three times a week in the afternoon when the courts are cheaper.

"They just love playing tennis," Aydelott said. "Tennis helped save one of their lives."

Aydelott also spoke to former New York City mayor David Dinkins who helped keep the US Open in New York.

"He's such a sweetheart," Aydelott said. "Everyone in this book has something to say about how tennis enhanced their lives and they're better people for it."

To purchase Aydelott's book, click here.

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