As tennis fans, we love reading all about the game, from the players that inspire us to jump on the court to the coaches that can teach us their wisdom gained through a lifetime in tennis. For that very reason, we’ve put together a list of the best tennis books that every tennis player and fan should read. It includes some the best tennis autobiographies ever written and books on tennis psychology, fitness and coaching.
We have no doubt that you’ll enjoy any of the tennis books below as they’ve all been well received in the tennis community. We’ve read many of them personally and have had the others highly recommended to us. So, without further ado, here is the list of our favourite tennis books of all time:
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Tennis Autobiography
Open
by Andre Agassi
From a childhood governed by a highly demanding father to tennis champion and everything thereafter, Andre Agassi opens up on the struggles of having a life in tennis mapped out for him before even picking up his first racket. An essential and inspiring read for any tennis fan player or parent and without a doubt one of our favourite tennis books.
Tennis Psychology
The Inner Game of Tennis
by Timothy Gallwey
We all know that tennis is as much a battle on court as it is a battle within. In this book, Timothy Gallwey talks about the inner game of tennis and how to overcome self-doubt, nerves and lapses in concentration while on court. It is a must read for amateur and pro players alike, and can be very useful to aspiring tennis players looking to start a career in the sport.
Tennis Psychology
Winning Ugly
by Brad Gilbert
Having coached top players like Andre Agassi, Any Roddick, Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori, Brad Gilbert knows more about the game of tennis than most. In this book, Brad talks about impact that psychology has on tennis and how to use it to your advantage, forcing your opponents to play your game. A tennis bible to any competitive tennis player looking for success on the court.
Tennis Autobiography
RAFA
by Rafael Nadal & John Carlin
From childhood to becoming a staggering 16 time Grand Slam champion, Rafa Nadal talks us through his life in tennis, both on and off the court. Learn all about the highs and the lows of his career, from winning his first Wimbledon title in 2008 against Roger Federer to the injury setbacks he’s had throughout his career. This is without a doubt one of the best tennis books out there and is a must read for any Nadal fan.
Tennis Autobiography
Seventy-Seven
by Andy Murray
Established on the tour as a top 10 player for some time, Andy Murray shares with us his road to Wimbledon glory. From Grand Slam final heartbreak to finally becoming the first British man to lift the Wimbledon trophy since Fred Perry in 1936, he shows us the mental and physical battle he went through to break into the Top 4. Little did he know at the time that he’d go on to become number 1 in the world just a few years later. This book is a must read for any fan of British Tennis.
Tennis biography
Fedegraphica
by Mark Hodgkinson
In Fedegraphica, Mark Hodgkinson tells us everything we could possibly want to know about the great Roger Federer from the titles, records and other successes that put him firmly in the tennis history books, to an in-depth analysis of his game including serving patterns and so much more. This is essential reading for any Roger Federer fan.
Tennis Autobiography
Unstoppable
by Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova shares with us the story of her rise to success, from leaving behind her home in Russia an making her way to the Bollettieri academy in Florida to becoming a 5 time Grand Slam champion. She tells stories of her struggles and triumphs, her obsession with Serena Williams and her determination get back to the top of the pro game.
Tennis Psychology
String Theory
by David Foster Wallace
Described as one of the best tennis writers of all time, David Foster Wallace shares beautiful a collection of tennis essays full of detailed insights into the game of tennis. It includes his masterful profile of Roger Federer and is a delightful read for any tennis lover.
Tennis Autobiography
Knowing The Score
by Judy Murray
Judy Murray tells the inside story of Jamie & Andy Murray’s rise from their local community courts in Dunblane to Grand Slam glory on Wimbledon Centre Court. She shares honest accounts of the challenges she has faced, from desperate finances to dealing with the belittling attitudes towards women in sport. Her journey through a life in tennis is both an inspiration and a guide to tennis parents and coaches alike.
Tennis Autobiography
Chasing Points
by Gregory Howe
For many of us, playing tennis at the pro level is a distant dream. Gregory Howe decided to jump into a pro tennis career at the age of 34, starting at the lowest levels of professional tennis competition. In his book, Chasing Points, Gregory share his experiences of the ITF tour and exposes what a career in tennis is really like for those players that don’t quite make it into the top 300 in the world rankings. Every tennis fan should consider this book essential reading, and soon to be tennis players will find it extremely useful.
Tennis Coaching
Nick Bollettieri's Tennis Handbook
by Nick Bollettieri
Nick Bollettieri has coached and guided some of the biggest names in tennis to success, including Andre Agassi, Venus & Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Boris Becker and so many more. In this book he shares his techniques to learning and teaching tennis. It’s a book every tennis coach should have on their bookshelf.
Tennis Fitness
Complete Conditioning for Tennis
by Mark Kovacs
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Any Suggestions?
Have we missed any amazing tennis books out? We’d love to keep expanding this list and make it the ultimate list of best tennis books. Be sure to let us know in the comments if you have any suggestions!
