Sometimes the most rewarding discoveries in a used bookstore come from titles that have long slipped out of print. That was the case for me when I stumbled across Doubles Strategy: A Creative and Psychological Approach to Tennis by Françoise Dürr, published in 1978. Dürr is widely remembered as one of the great doubles specialists in the history of the sport, so finding her perspective distilled into book form felt like uncovering a hidden gem.
The book opens with a reminder that doubles has always been the neglected sibling of singles when it comes to attention and acclaim. Dürr noted that fans primarily want to watch the superstars play singles—and that truth remains unchanged. The most recent example came at the 2025 US Open, where the made-for-TV mixed doubles event was staged before the tournament began, drawing its competitors almost exclusively from the marquee singles names. Tennis fans went wild. It is evidence that doubles specialists still toil in the shadows.
In Doubles Strategy, the chapters unfold as a practical manual for competing in that discipline. Dürr points out that the alleys open up new angles and longer crosscourt exchanges, changing the very geometry of the game compared with singles. She breaks down doubles-specific tactics, extolling the virtues of the serve-and-volley approach while also explaining why it may not always be the right choice. She underscores how simply taking pace off the serve can be an advantage in doubles because it buys the serving team time to react, and she stresses the importance of making first serves. Her advice for groundstrokes to shorten the swing, play to your opponents’ feet, and make them hit uphill is timeless. I especially appreciated her analysis of the drop shot in doubles. It is less effective than in singles, but still dangerous if used correctly. I am here for that.
The serving and returning chapters dive into remarkable detail. Durr dissects the effects of spin and placement, highlighting how angles open or close depending on their location. On the return, she warns against passivity. “Just getting the ball back” is a losing recipe in doubles. Instead, she emphasizes targeting the weaker opponent or exploiting positioning, even if it means taking risks.
Her net play guidance remains valid, even in today’s game. Dürr explains not only the best paths and shot selections to get forward, but also the psychological effect of poaching. Sometimes the mere suggestion of movement, leaning, feinting, or bluffing, is more disruptive than the poach itself.
The final chapter on “building blocks” gathers the soft skills of doubles into one place. It includes high percentage shot selection, anticipation, partner communication, and tactical adjustments based on the score. These fundamentals, as Dürr frames them, are the true pillars of success in doubles.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention that some of the specific tactical advice reflects the wooden racquet era in which this book was written. But the larger lessons such as how to think about space, partnership, and pressure in doubles, is sound and still directly applicable today. Dürr’s insights, shaped by a career that included seven women’s Grand Slam doubles titles and four in mixed, give the book authority.
Doubles Strategy: A Creative and Psychological Approach to Tennis isn’t just a historical curiosity; it’s a reminder of why doubles is both strategically rich and creatively rewarding. If you ever stumble across a copy in a used bookstore or online, I wholeheartedly recommend picking it up. Like Françoise Dürr herself, it’s quirky, insightful, and unforgettable.
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