- Published: 1 March 2007
- ISBN: 9781741665062
- Imprint: Random House Australia
- Format: Trade Paperback
- Pages: 272
- RRP: $42.99
Too Good
The Scott Draper Story
- Published: 1 March 2007
- ISBN: 9781741665062
- Imprint: Random House Australia
- Format: Trade Paperback
- Pages: 272
- RRP: $42.99
Scott Draper may not have been the best Australian player of his era, but with co-collaborators Suzi Petkovski and Michael Fox, he may have written one of the best tennis autobiographies of all time. Too Good: The Scott Draper Story is much more than a book about tennis. It is, above all, a love story, but one that ends tragically in the gradual death of Scott's beloved Kellie, the daughter of a Queensland tennis coach. She died from cystic fibrosis. Twelve years ago I interviewed Scott in a small hotel near Roland Garros. He was then just another Aussie battler (though he'd won the Wimbledon junior doubles a few years earlier). He went on, that year, to reach the fourth round of the French Open, and looked so promising that I tipped him to win the French title one day. What I didn't know was that he'd struggled with a form of anxiety neurosis known as obsessive compulsive disorder, or that he'd be subjected to such terrible heartbreak and tension over a long period in watching Kellie suffer as her condition deteriorated. Though he never had a chance to fulfil his potential as a player, he comported himself as a true champion while doing all he could to help his young wife through her pain. Scott, incidentally, had fallen in love with Kellie in Paris in the springtime, just as Andre had fallen for Steffi Graf in the same city and at the same time of year. How different were their respective destinies. Suzi Petkovski, a former editor of this magazine, has written a very intimate narrative with great skill and sensitivity. At times the poignancy of the story is almost too difficult to bear. Michael Fox, a psychologist who once mentored Scott, and also a one-time contributor to this magazine, provides thought-provoking insights.
Alan Trengove, Australian Tennis Magazine
Scott is a walking testament to what the human spirit is capable of.
Andre Agassi
He's one of these blokes that makes you sick, really, 'cause he does everything, you know. He goes the whole nine yards.
Jason Stoltenberg, friend
Winning the mixed doubles is quite an incredible thing to do after not playing in so long. I wouldn't say I am surprised as much as I'm just impressed by it.
Andre Agassi
Far from your standard sports autobiography, this is a moving, sometimes painfully honest account of Draper's struggles and triumphs - and there have been some doozies in his still young life. Probably best known for his transition from the pro tennis tour to professional golf, the personal story is of a man who has experienced tragic loss (his wife, in 1998, to cystic fibrosis, when he was 25), lost his way, hit the bottle, found a way back, to triumph - winning the mixed doubles at the 2005 Australian Open with Samantha Stosur. Next stop: the US golf tour - and he just might have the game to get there. Sounds like an extraordinary personality, yes? One who has also found a way to cope with anxiety neurosis, also known as obsessive compulsive disorder. Passion, pain - the whole package. A remarkable and inspiring story.
Graeme Sims