These are some of our favorite tennis books as a family. Some we have purchased because they were recommended to us. Some of them we gifted to each other on birthdays and anniversaries. While some others we bought specifically because we wanted to learn more about the life of a certain player or coach.
We hope you enjoy this list of beloved tennis books. They have taught us a lot about tennis, players and tennis IQ. We are a family that plays tennis at different levels and tennis is our main hobby!
Some of the links to the books are affiliate Amazon links, which means we might make a small fee if you purchase the book but that doesn’t come with any additional cost to you. We are not affiliated with the book authors or editors, our opinions on this list are purely our own and we haven’t been sponsored to write this article.
Winning Ugly by Brad Gilbert
This might be by far one of the best tennis books ever written. We love Winning Ugly from Brad Gilbert. This book is a classic tennis instruction book that focuses on the mental aspects of the game rather than just the technical skills. It’s written by Brad Gilbert, a former Olympic gold medalist and tennis champion, and is considered one of the best tennis books ever written.
The book’s central premise is that you don’t need to have the most powerful or technically perfect shots to win a tennis match. Instead, you can use mental strategies to outsmart your opponent and win matches you might otherwise lose. Gilbert shares his own experiences and insights, as well as tips and advice from other top players, on how to develop a winning mental attitude, stay focused and composed under pressure, and use your opponent’s weaknesses to your advantage.
We bought the book early 2023 as a birthday present but had to re-read it when Coco Gauff won US Open soon after adding Brad Gilbert as a coach. It felt super relevant and the tweak in her positioning in the baseline made a lot of sense as a technique.
Rafa by Rafael Nadal and John Carlin
Our kids generation is growing up to look up at players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as they’re the future of tennis. But my husband and I are big Rafael Nadal fans and the “Rafa: My Story” book written by both Rafael Nadal himself and John Carlin really has really made a big impression on us. We highly recommend this book to all families raising athletic children, not just in tennis.
Our favorite match of all time is Wimbledon 2018, the classic Nadal-Federer 5 setter. We really enjoyed reading this book and we feel like we understand the sacrifices and mental challenges that go into being a tennis champing much better.
- “Rafa: My Story” is not just a tennis biography; it’s a story of dedication, resilience, and overcoming challenges.
- It offers valuable insights into the mindset of a champion, inspiring readers to pursue their own goals with passion and perseverance.
- Regardless of your interest in tennis, the book offers a heartwarming and inspiring journey of a man who achieved greatness through sheer determination and self-belief.
The Inner Game of Tennis
Imagine playing tennis, but there’s this annoying voice inside your head telling you you’re bad, you’ll never hit the ball, making you feel super stressed. That’s the “inner game” Timothy Gallwey talks about in “The Inner Game of Tennis.” It’s all those thoughts and feelings that mess with your actual ability to play.
The book’s all about silencing that negative voice in your head and just focusing on the game itself. Learn to notice your thoughts without freaking out, accept that they’re happening, and trust that you know how to play naturally. Focus on the present moment, not the score or what others might think. This isn’t just about getting better at tennis – it’s about getting better at handling the challenges life throws your way too!
Anytime we read The Inner Game of Tennis, we learn something new about the way we play tennis. We often talk to each other as we are reading the book and we bring up different paragraphs to each other as examples:).
String Theory by David Foster Wallace
Sports can be more than just physical competition, and David Foster Wallace dives deep into that concept in his book “String Theory.” Instead of focusing on stats and scores, Wallace analyzes the beauty and complexity of tennis, especially through his admiration for the legendary Roger Federer.
But “String Theory” isn’t just about praising Federer’s backhand. Wallace also explores the darker side of the sport, from the sacrifices players make to the intense pressure and mental challenges they face. It’s a captivating read for anyone who appreciates the artistry and humanity behind professional sports, even if they haven’t picked up a racket themselves. So, grab a metaphorical racket and get ready to explore the depths of the game, both on and off the court.
Open: An Autobiographt by Andre Agassi
If you’re a tennis parent like us, please, please, please read Open by Andre Agassi. We often see parents pushing kids too hard during practice and during tournaments. We know kids who have quit tennis at the age of 13 because of that pressure.
Every tennis parent needs to read this book!
Ever feel pressured to do something you don’t want to? In “Open,” Andre Agassi spills the tea on his childhood, revealing how his dad pushed him into tennis at a young age. He talks about the constant pressure to win and feeling like a robot with a racket.
But “Open” is more than just tennis woes. It’s about finding your own voice and breaking free from expectations. Agassi talks about his struggles with fame, his unique fashion choices (remember the long hair?), and searching for what truly matters in life. It’s a story about self-discovery, learning to accept yourself, and finding happiness even when things aren’t picture-perfect. So, forget the trophies for a sec and dive into a story about finding yourself, both on and off the court.
