Famed American tennis player (1893–1953) whose major tournament victories number in the dozens (including six consecutive years as U.S. Singles Champion). Though his reputation was tainted by a pedophilic scandal and a jail term in the 1940s, a 1950 Associated Press poll named him the greatest tennis player of the first half of the twentieth century. ALS in pencil signed “Bill,” one lightly lined page both sides, 5 x 8, no date [envelope postmarked August 26, 1949]. Tilden writes to friends Bratto and Marrion Anderson. In part: “I am not surprised at what Callahan told you. Frankly in many ways I am very well satisfied since it will make things easier when I get out, and it does show up what I suspected all along. Bratto Pal … I am confident you can beat Livingston … & probably McCabe, particularly if you take your time. I’ll be looking for you both early on Sunday and hope you have celebrated your birthday by winning at Santa Monica…. Marrion dear—don’t worry about me. I’m fine & will make it OK…. Please be sure to bring the script. It is very important….” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Tilden’s hand and bearing his return address and signature as “Wm. J. Tilden, Barracks 19” in Saugus, California. In fine condition. Auction LOA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
