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," three pages on two lightly-lined 5 x 8 sheets, no date but postmarked May 4, 1949. A letter to Marrian Anderson. In part: "Your letter just came and I was so glad to get it. I know you knew I was rather worried about the Brat at Ojai. I am very much concerned about the care he takes of himself…You can let the Babe read this as you know I never keep anything from him…I am fine and have hopes that this story may be really good. I know the kid will never read it, but I'd care to know what you think of it…I hope the kid will get a good draw in the tournament…nothing to lose, everything to gain…You and he are the only two I really give a damn whether I see or not…be seeing you Sunday anyway, love to you both, Bill." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original handwritten envelope, addressed in Tilden's and signed in the return address area, "W. T. Tilden." A lengthy letter from the controversial tennis great. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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