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Irish tennis player Conor Niland could be best described as a journeyman. He never reached the world's top 100 and never progressed beyond the first round of a Grand Slam.

In the world of professional tennis, there are far more Conors than there are champions such as Roger Federer or Serena Williams.

Conor's book "The Racket" tells the story of those players who travel the world in the hope of climbing the rankings, where the prize money barely covers their expenses.

He told Sportshour鈥檚 Caroline Barker about the financial struggles involved in life on tour.

Photo: Conor Niland of Ireland takes a break during his first round match against Adrian Mannarino of France on Day Two of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 21, 2011 in London, England. (Credit: Getty Images)