Tennis Books

Popular Subcategories

📘 Instructional & Coaching Books

Cover techniques, match strategies, footwork, drills, and coaching principles — ideal for serious players or tennis instructors.

📕 Biographies & Autobiographies

Explore the lives and careers of icons like Federer, Serena, Nadal, Djokovic, Billie Jean King, and Andy Murray.

📗 Mental & Tactical Training Books

Focus on mindset, focus, confidence, and dealing with pressure — a favourite among competitive players.

📙 Tennis History & Analysis

Discover the sport’s evolution, Grand Slam records, and unforgettable matches through factual, well-researched titles.

📔 Tennis Fiction & Novels

Great for lighter reading — stories inspired by tennis culture, set in club tournaments or pro tours.

Recommended Titles

• “Open” by Andre Agassi – A brutally honest, bestselling autobiography

• “The Inner Game of Tennis” by W. Timothy Gallwey – The classic on sports psychology and focus

• “Rafa: My Story” by Rafael Nadal – Insight into the mindset and work ethic of a champion

• “String Theory” by David Foster Wallace – A literary take on the philosophy and nuance of tennis

• “Winning Ugly” by Brad Gilbert – A smart, tactical guide for match play

• “Unstoppable” by Maria Sharapova – Candid memoir from one of the game’s most driven competitors

• “Coaching Tennis” by Chuck Kriese – For coaches looking to develop high-level junior or club players

• “The Master: The Long Run and Beautiful Game of Roger Federer” by Christopher Clarey – A detailed profile of Federer’s life and influence

• “A Champion’s Mind” by Pete Sampras – Reflections on winning and legacy from a 14-time Grand Slam champion

• “Levels of the Game” by John McPhee – A play-by-play match narrative that explores class, race, and rivalry

Expert Tips for Selecting Tennis Books

• New to the sport? Start with introductory books or autobiographies to build enthusiasm and background.

• Competitive player? Go for titles on mental game mastery or tactical planning.

• Coach or parent? Look for drill books and long-term player development guides.

• Want inspiration? Biographies of all-time greats often mix storytelling with valuable life lessons.

• Build a small library with a mix of strategy, psychology, history, and motivation for balanced learning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Choosing books that are too advanced, especially for juniors or casual readers

• ❌ Ignoring publication date — tennis evolves quickly; make sure instructional books are still relevant

• ❌ Overlooking format — some titles are better in paperback for note-taking, others in eBook or audiobook for on-the-go listening

• ❌ Skipping mental training — many players focus only on technique and neglect the psychological side of tennis

• ❌ Buying based only on fame — the most helpful books aren’t always written by big names

Tennis Books – FAQs

1. What’s the best tennis book for beginners?
“The Inner Game of Tennis” by W. Timothy Gallwey is ideal. It combines psychology, performance, and timeless lessons in a beginner-friendly way.

2. Which tennis biography is most inspiring?
“Open” by Andre Agassi is widely praised for its honesty, emotion, and storytelling — even by non-tennis fans.

3. Are there books that help improve match strategy?
Yes — books like “Winning Ugly” by Brad Gilbert and “Coaching Tennis” by Chuck Kriese focus heavily on tactics and real-world match scenarios.

4. Do any tennis books cover the mental game?
Absolutely. “The Inner Game of Tennis”, “A Champion’s Mind”, and “Unstoppable” all explore mental strength, confidence, and resilience.

5. What’s the best tennis book for coaches?
Try “Coaching Tennis” by Chuck Kriese or “Complete Conditioning for Tennis” for coaching drills, practice structure, and development plans.

6. Are there any good tennis novels or fiction books?
Yes — “String Theory” by David Foster Wallace and “Levels of the Game” by John McPhee blend literature and tennis insight beautifully.

7. Can I find tennis books for kids or juniors?
Yes — look for age-appropriate coaching guides or motivational books written for young athletes and parents.

8. Are there tennis books available in audiobook format?
Many biographies and popular titles, like “Open”, are available on Audible or other audiobook platforms.

9. What’s the best book for understanding tennis history?
“The Greatest Tennis Matches of All Time” and “Federer and Me” offer both factual history and personal commentary.

10. Do these books help even if I’m a recreational player?
Yes — tennis books can enhance enjoyment, knowledge, and motivation, no matter your level or frequency of play.

Final Thoughts

Tennis books are a brilliant way to grow your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and stay inspired, whether you’re competing on court or watching from the sidelines. From gripping autobiographies to expert instruction and game-changing psychology, there’s a tennis book for every reader and every stage of the journey. Backed by over 35 years of experience, we’re proud to offer one of the UK’s most complete selections of tennis literature, curated for players, coaches, and fans alike.

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