Read to Succeed: Top 10 Best Tennis Books for Every Player

Are you looking to improve your tennis game? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pro the right book can help take your skills and strategy to the next level. With so many titles on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 best tennis books that are sure to give you an edge on the court.

From instructional manuals for beginners all the way up to advanced tactical guides for highly competitive players, these books will help equip any player with the knowledge they need for success! So if you’re ready to take your game up a notch and become a better player than ever before, read on and discover which books are worth adding to your library today!

Features To Look For in Tennis Books

When choosing a tennis book, are several features to consider that can help you get the most out of your purchase.

Content

Tennis books come in many different shapes and sizes, each offering unique information and insights into the game of tennis. While some are geared toward beginner players, others offer advanced strategies for experienced athletes.

Interactive Features

Look for books that provide clear and concise instruction on the fundamentals of tennis. This should include information such as proper techniques and strategies, rules, and scoring systems, as well as exercises and drills to help improve your game.

Additionally, many books now include interactive features like diagrams and videos which can be extremely helpful in ensuring you’re using the right technique.

Game Overview

Aside from the basics, it’s also useful to look for books that provide a comprehensive overview of the game. This can include topics such as the history of tennis, interviews with top players, and detailed analysis of professional matches.

By exploring these areas, you’ll gain a better understanding of how to apply your skills to the court and become a better player.

Skill level

Make sure that the book you choose best suits your individual skill level. There’s no point in buying a book of advanced strategies and techniques if you’re just starting out. Instead, look for books that focus on building fundamentals and then move on to more challenging concepts as your progress.

By considering these features, you’ll be able to find the best tennis books that will help take your game to the next level.

Best Tennis Books Reviewed In This Guide


Open: An Autobiography

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Are you looking for the best tennis books to read? Look no further! This book by Andre Agassi offers not just an excellent memoir about professional tennis, but also a captivating account of an extraordinary life.

The autobiography offers an in-depth look at Agassi’s life as a tennis champion and his struggles off-court. Learn about his early success, relationship with fame, marriage to Brooke Shields, and more in this comprehensive book review.


The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance

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Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Gallwey’s engaging voice, clear examples, and illuminating anecdotes will give you the tools you need to succeed.

Are you looking to improve your performance in tennis? The Inner Game of Tennis is the classic guide to the mental side of peak performance. In this book, author W. Timothy Gallwey reveals how to focus your mind, find a state of relaxed concentration, and build skills through smart practice.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this book provides all the tools needed for success! Watch this video to learn more about one of the best tennis books out there!


Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis–Lessons from a Master

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Are you looking to improve your tennis game? Brad Gilbert, an Olympic medalist, and ESPN analyst, shares his timeless tricks and tips in Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis–Lessons from a Master.

With clarity and wit, this classic combat manual for the tennis court has become one of the best tennis books worldwide. Learn how to beat better players without playing better tennis by reading this book!


But Seriously

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John McEnroe is one of the most beloved and controversial athletes in history. In his international number-one bestseller book “But Seriously”, he takes readers on an introspective journey, exploring his transformation from champion to father, broadcaster, and author.

Now the undisputed elder statesman of tennis, follows John as he confronts his demons, reveals his struggles, and shares brutally honest opinions about modern sport and celebrity culture – all in McEnroe’s signature style.

This is one of the best tennis books out there – wildly entertaining, very funny, surprisingly touching, and 100% McEnroe.


String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis: A Library of America Special Publication

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Discover the best tennis books ever written with this special publication from the Library of America.

In this collection, you’ll find five tour-de-force pieces by David Foster Wallace about tennis – including his own career as a junior player.

Learn about Roger Federer’s otherworldly genius, Tracy Austin’s memoir, and Michael Joyce’s artistry on the court. Get ready to go deep into the world of tennis.


Essential Tennis

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Learn to master the game of tennis with Essential Tennis! In this book, Ian Westermann shares his proven lessons and strategies for improving your shots, reducing errors, and beating players who are currently better than you.

This comprehensive guide covers technique-based instruction for groundstrokes, volleys, serves, and more.

Discover how to hit stronger shots, develop a holistic learning experience, and improve your mental toughness on the court – get Essential Tennis today and become the best player you can be.


A Handful of Summers: A Memoir

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Are you looking for one of the best tennis books ever written? Look no further than A Handful of Summers: A Memoir by Gordon Forbes. This newly published edition brings back a cult classic, revealing an era populated by the most colorful tennis players of all time.

Learn about Forbes’ childhood on an Eastern Cape farm in South Africa, and follow him as he takes the reader on a tour into locker rooms and restaurants, narrow streets and small hotels, to Wimbledon and Roland Garros courts.

With an original Foreword by Peter Ustinov, this is one of the must-read books for any true tennis fan.


It’s Not My Fault: 150 Hilarious Excuses Every Tennis Player Should Know

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Are you looking for the best tennis book to help you make sense of your losses on the court? Look no further than It’s Not My Fault: 150 Hilarious Excuses Every Tennis Player Should Know by Joshua Shifrin.

Learn how to get out of dodge with funny excuses like “My opponent was a pusher . . . I can’t play against pushers” and “There was a leaf on the court and I couldn’t concentrate,” plus many more!

Get motivated, eradicate embarrassing mistakes, and have hilarious off-the-court fun with this amazing book.


The Fein Points of Tennis

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Are you looking for the best tennis instruction book? Look no further! The Fein Points of Tennis is a comprehensive collection of Paul Fein’s most incisive articles that covers topics such as strike zone, grip firmness, balance, and more.

This easy-to-read book also provides an in-depth analysis of topics like playing in the wind, match momentum, and even how analytics changed tennis. Learn about the secrets behind Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic’s greatness.

Plus get tips on defense, closing out tight matches, and using sidespin effectively. Watch this video to find out why The Fein Points of Tennis is one of the best tennis books available today!


The History of Tennis: Legendary Champions. Magical Moments

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This book is a must-read for all tennis aficionados! It captures the long history of this much-loved sport, from its royal court beginnings in sixteenth-century Europe to its modern-day global star players.

With beautiful images and stories detailing the evolution of tennis by decade, you’ll learn about legendary champions, magical moments, and gripping matches that have defined the game.

Plus, get a unique insight into power plays and controversies that have shaped it over time. Don’t miss out on this comprehensive look at one of the best sports books ever written about tennis.


Types of Tennis Books

There are a variety of different types of tennis books available.

Instructional books on technique and strategy

Instructional books can range from beginner-friendly introductions to more advanced drills and techniques. They can offer advice on everything from the psychology of playing to improving your serve and forehand.

Biographies and autobiographies

Biographies offer an inside look at key figures in the sport’s history. These books will help you gain insight into the lives of some of the top tennis players – past and present. Reading their stories can inspire you to become a better player and also understand the difficulties they faced along the way.

Comprehensive guides

comprehensive guides provide readers with an overview of essential tennis knowledge. These books offer an in-depth look at the game and include tips on playing, scoring, rules, and more.

No matter your level of experience or knowledge about tennis, there is a book out there for you! Doing some research can help you find the best tennis books for your needs.

Tournament histories

Tournament histories document major tournaments and their competitive dynamics over time. These books can provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the sport and its evolution in recent decades.

They may include detailed accounts of some of the most memorable matches or provide insight into how certain players have consistently succeeded over time.

Personal memoirs

Personal memoirs share stories about the writer’s journey with the sport. These books can offer readers a unique view into the sport and provide glimpses into the struggles and triumphs players go through. They may also include advice on how to stay motivated and reach success in tennis.

Common Questions About Tennis Books

Is tennis the hardest sport to learn?

Tennis is widely regarded as a very challenging sport to pick up because it requires a combination of skills such as hand-eye coordination, flexibility, agility, strength, and speed.

To become proficient, players need to become skilled in various types of shots and master the mental aspect of the game, which is often considered to be the most difficult aspect.

Do you need a book to learn tennis?

No, you do not need a book to learn tennis. Although there are many excellent books available with tips and advice about improving your game, most of the skills and techniques for playing good tennis can be learned through practice and repetition on the court.

Are the best tennis books worth it?

If you want to get deeper into understanding the nuances of the sport or read up on famous players and their strategies, then reading one of these best tennis books may be beneficial.

Video My Top 5 tennis books

Do you want to become a better tennis player? The best way to do that is by learning from the experts! In this video, you’ll discover some of the top tennis books out there. Learn about the best tips and techniques that will help take your game to the next level!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a tennis enthusiast or an aspiring professional, the best tennis books can provide valuable insights into the game. From analyzing strategies and techniques to exploring personal stories of success, they offer something for everyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of this beloved sport.

Whether you are just starting out in your journey as a tennis player or have been playing for years, these best tennis books can help take your skillset to the next level. So pick up one today and start improving your knowledge about all things related to the game!

Author

Photo of author
David Anderson is a tennis expert from Los Angeles, California, who has had a lifelong passion for the game. He studied journalism at UCLA before focusing full-time on researching and writing about all aspects of tennis. His experience playing the sport since he was a kid, combined with countless hours spent researching, interviewing professional players, and analyzing their performances from courtside, gives him unparalleled expertise in the game.
Photo of author
David Anderson is a tennis expert from Los Angeles, California, who has had a lifelong passion for the game. He studied journalism at UCLA before focusing full-time on researching and writing about all aspects of tennis. His experience playing the sport since he was a kid, combined with countless hours spent researching, interviewing professional players, and analyzing their performances from courtside, gives him unparalleled expertise in the game.