It was a stunning coincidence," says the writer, who lives in Connecticut with her husband and two children. "The book was at the printer by the time all of that came out. Weisberger is quick to point out that her plot is in no way related to the Maria Sharapova scandal. She is simultaneously launched into a world of private parties, stylists and secret dates with high-profile playboys, before becoming embroiled in a drugs scandal. The result is her new novel The Singles Game, the story of professional player Charlotte 'Charlie' Silver, who is taken under the wing of a brutal coach to help her reach the top. Weisberger, who was four when her father first put a racket into her hand and still plays tennis as a pastime, says she wasn't viewed with suspicion, and the access allowed her to see the pressures, rivalries, strict diets and superstitions that are all part and parcel of the game at this level. "I was lucky enough to get a glimpse behind the scenes, in all the areas where the players were off court." Immersing herself in the sport for eight months, she attended tournaments including Wimbledon and the US Open, wangled her way into players' lounges, dining areas and stringing rooms, interviewed players and eavesdropped on conversations. There's always plenty of drama on court during Wimbledon – but bestselling American author Lauren Weisberger has been busy finding out what goes on behind the scenes on the women's professional tennis circuit.
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