For the Love of Tennis

American fans will find much to enjoy in this British collection of essays from both sides of the Atlantic, along with some pieces that will interest them very little. Several splendid profiles are included: Ilie Nastase in the twilight of his career; Bill Tilden, perhaps the loneliest champion there ever was; Suzanne Lenglen, queen of the courts in 1926, defeating the rising star Helen Wills. There are analyses of memorable Wimbledon matches, like Schroeder-Drobny in 1949 and Borg-McEnroe in 1980. There are sidebar eventsthe sole occasion when normally unflappable Arthur Ashe lost his temper, Ted Tinling's creation of Gussie Moran's famous panties. Readers will also find accounts of the game as it is played at Ilkley and Bournemouth, which won't arouse the interest of American aficionados, and several humorous selections that will split few Yankees' sides. Photos. (April)