It looks like 2024 will be a relatively light year for new tennis books that excite me. I also plan on looping back to some interesting titles from last year that I never got around to reviewing. Additionally, a potential blockbuster is slated for publication in 2025.
Exciting New Books Coming in 2024
Naomi Osaka: Her Journey to Finding Her Power and Her Voice
A deeply reported, revealing biography of tennis phenomenon and activist Naomi Osaka, telling the untold story behind her Grand Slam-winning career, her headline-making advocacy for racial justice and mental health, and the challenges of a life in the international spotlight. (January 9, 2024)
Wild Card: Mastering the Mental Game of Tennis
WTA professional Laura Siegemund is the author of this guide that equips the athlete with the tools to develop concentration, focus, resilience, the ability to handle mistakes, and self-regulation―all that the high-performance athlete needs to master the mental game. She provides insight into extreme mental game situations and their complexity along with mental coach and sports scientist Dr. Stefan Brunner. (June 1, 2024)
The Tennis Collection: A History of Iconic Players, Their Rackets, Outfits, and Equipment
Forwards by Rafael Nadal and Stan Smith lend credibility to this coffee table book. One of the largest collections of tennis memorabilia including sneakers, hundreds of vintage rackets, rare tennis accessories, and tennis ensembles worn by the sport’s most iconic players. (April 2, 2024
Novak Djokovic: The greatest of all time
Tennis journalist Dominic Bliss is the author of an up-close look at the unbelievable talent of a player destined for greatness. Djokovic’s extraordinary achievements include iconic moments such as becoming the first man in the Open Era to achieve a double Career Grand Slam in singles, and the only man in tennis history to be the reigning champion of the four majors at once across three different surfaces. (February 27, 2024)
Additional Books from 2023
Fearless: Finding the Power to Thrive
In Jelena Dokic’s first bestselling book, Unbreakable, the former world No. 4 revealed her incredible survival story: how she overcame adversity, poverty, and violence to rise to the top of the tennis world. Jelena’s revelations about her father’s shocking abuse stunned the world. Fearless is about how you reclaim life when all feels lost.
Tennis as a Wisdom Practice: A Story About the Quest for Mastery
When he was in his late 60s, author Carl Frankel got some unexpected news. If he started playing tennis tournaments in the 70s division when he age-qualified, he could be one of the top 10 players in the country. Tennis as a Wisdom Practice tells the story of his pursuit of ranking success and what he learned along the way.
Play or Die: Senior Tennis and the Art of Spin
A riveting memoir that chronicles the extraordinary journey of Lester Elder, an aging tennis enthusiast determined to reignite his passion for the game. More than a sport, tennis becomes a lifeline, pushing Lester physically while fostering camaraderie and connections.
New books in 2024 that I may skip
Searching for Novak: Unveiling the man behind the enigma
This book has red flags all over it. The author’s only noteworthy book to date was a collaboration with Sascha Bajin, on ‘Strengthen Your Mind’, which reached the top of the sports bestsellers list in Japan because it centered Naomi Osaka. Additionally, it is a self-published Kindle only release. It is being marketed as an opportunity to delve into the mind of the most successful tennis player of all time. (July 4, 2024)
Tennis for Dummies
I have philosophical issues with the “For Dummies” series in general. In this updated edition of Tennis For Dummies Patrick McEnroe gets a new co-author of Jon Levey. You’ll learn the history of the game, the rules, the latest gear, the hottest strategies, and everything else you need to know to get into this popular racquet sport. This easy-to-understand guide shows you what it takes to improve each time you step on the court, and puts you in the middle of the pro tennis action so you can enjoy the matches everyone is talking about. (August 27, 2024)
An Exciting Book Coming in 2025
The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay
After his award-winning look at Roger Federer, Christopher Clarey, one of the world’s preeminent tennis writers, focuses his lens on Rafael Nadal, the indomitable and inspiring force of nature from Spain who has been one of the most relentless competitors in any sport. THE WARRIOR examines Nadal’s mindset and most mind-blowing achievement: 14 French Open titles. (May 13, 2025)
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