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A BOOK reading timed to coincide with Wimbledon recalls how Fred Perry, the last British player to win the men’s sinlges title, was a figure of controversy.

Perry dominated tennis in the 1930s, winning the Wimbledon Championship three times in succession, but his decision to turn professional was seen as a betrayal of the amateur roots of the sport.

The player compounded the perceived sin by taking out US citizenship when war broke out.

He embraced his new country wholeheartedly and led a colourful private life.

The readings are taken from The Last Champion: The Life of Fred Perry written by Jon Henderson.

BOOK OF THE WEEK, BBC Radio 4, Monday to Friday, 9.45am.