Peter de Jonge

One rich, one not — and among the sport’s most promising American prospects. The making of talent, in two different laboratories.

On a Monday in mid-August, 47-year-old Boris Becker is hobbling across the lobby of the Marriott in Mason, Ohio, where the pro-tennis caravan has pitched its tent for the last hard-court tune-up before the U.S. Open. If his shockingly reduced gait (owing to two hip replacements and a steel plate in his right ankle) is the cost of hurling his 215 pounds at passing shots like a goaltender, then it seems too high. But how do you set a fair price on seizing tennis immortality by winning Wimbledon at 17? 

The Maidstone Club in East Hampton may be snooty, but it also has quite a lovely golf course.    Which one nonmember decided he just had to play.