The Tennis Champion Who Escaped the Nazis cover art

The Tennis Champion Who Escaped the Nazis

Liesl Herbst's Journey, from Vienna to Wimbledon

 Preview

Get 30 days of Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30-day free trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for £15.99

Buy Now for £15.99

About this listen

In 1930, at the age of twenty-seven, Liesl Herbst was the Austrian National Tennis Champion, a celebrity in Vienna. Liesl, her husband David and their daughter Dorli came to Britain after escaping the Nazis.

In London, though initially stripped of their Austrian passports and rendered stateless aliens, both Liesl and her daughter Dorli competed at Wimbledon. They remain the only mother and daughter ever to have played doubles together at Wimbledon.

This moving story of escape and survival is told by Liesl’s grand-daughter, Dorli’s daughter. Some of the story, the author heard first-hand from her grandmother; the rest, she has meticulously researched over many years in four countries. It is as much a search for the author’s own identity as for her own children and grandchildren to ensure that their remarkable family history is never lost again.

This is a story of survival against terrible odds, an inspiring tale of resilience and hope.

©2023 Felice Hardy (P)2023 Boldwood Books Sports Tennis Women Funny

Critic reviews

'A fabulous story guaranteed to capture people’s imagination.' Mail on Sunday

'Stunningly descriptive, compelling writing. I was moved close to tears on several occasions.' Peter James, international bestselling crime writer
All stars
Most relevant
So glad to have listened to this. Such a personal account, full of meaning. Truly a must read to understand history.

Brilliant account of true trauma

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.