Tilden, William Tatem: One of the Greatest American Tennis Players. Tilden, William Tatem "Big Bill" (1893-1953) U.S. tennis player who dominated the game in the 1920s. He won seven U.S. men's singles championships, three Wimbledon singles championships, and two professional titles, as well as many doubles and mixed doubles titles, and 21 of 28 Davis Cup matches. He is almost always included in the top five or six men's tennis players of all time. Known for his overpowering play and temperamental personality, he was one of the most colorful sports figures of his time and one of tennis

Offered are three autographed letters signed in pencil on yellow tablet with original envelopes, dated October 17, 20 and 21, 1949 while in prison on morals charges. Tilden is writing to Marrion Anderson and her son Arthur (nickname Bratto) who he used to live with on lengthy occasions with both remaining loyal to him even during his two very public scandals.

All three are signed Bill at the end of each letter, and "W.T. Tilden" in the return address, Barracks 19 from Saugus, California (prison). The two longest are at 2½ pages in which he does reference tennis in both: "I see where Gonzalez almost lost…at Newport. That is pretty lousy for the National Champion at the 2nd most import tournament….(T)he margin between you & the top flight is very little…." In both he gives Bratto some tennis instructions, including, "Remember above all else to play one match at a time…. The other, a note is brief asking for a few dollars to be sent to him. All in excellent condition. Included are three re-print 4 x 6" photos. Estimated Value $250 - 500