Inspired by a True Event

“Superbly written. Beautifully captures the extraordinary pressures of junior tennis and the tragic consequences of parents who lose their way. A terrific contribution. This is a must read for every tennis parent.”
Jim Loehr, Ed.D.
Chairman & CEO, Human Performance Institute

BREAK AND HOLD
Inspired by a True Event

Against a seething backdrop of tennis academies, star athletes and ubiquitous parents, three individuals emerge harboring a dark secret. Pulling no punches, Vivien Kalvaria faithfully delivers the raw truths of life in this microcosmic world where elite players travel in packs for months at a time competing in tournaments across the globe. Delving beneath the surface, the story covers the genesis and journey of a gifted player while exposing the complexities and emotional struggles that beset parents and coaches in the grooming of teen athletes and the seductive elements that drive a father to mastermind a diabolical scheme. The book moves at a crackling pace with lavish descriptions of knockdown-dragout matches as the story slipstreams from the relentless crafting of champions, to a tour of European tournaments and an astonishing revelation that impels a family toward a very public trial and shattering climax.

VIVIEN KALVARIA was born in Zimbabwe, where, after obtaining a Licentiate from the Trinity College of London, she taught Communication and Drama. She was later appointed television director of a weekend news program before moving to South Africa where she established her own drama studio. Later the family immigrated to the United States where her daughter developed into a top ranked tennis player.