Every time January rolls around, I take some time to mentally map out the books I plan to read throughout the year. That practice helps me align older titles with the tour calendar while also planning space for any new tennis books that are slated for release in the coming year.
A common principle observed at my day job is that “no plan ever survives first contact with the enemy.” That phrase, commonly attributed to a 19th-century Prussian military strategist, is not an excuse for not planning at all. Rather, it highlights the unpredictable and often chaotic nature of real-world events. Plans must be made with the knowledge and foresight that adjustments will be necessary. Consequently, contingency planning and flexibility are always a necessity.
I always miss important books that emerge in the coming year. While I am becoming more in tune and connected with the publishing industry, that is hardly foolproof. I inevitably get caught off guard by unexpected releases that leave me happily scrambling. Additionally, life also has a way of disrupting my best-laid intentions. Unanticipated time constraints always seem to be just around the corner for me. This year I am trying to build in a few more release valves for that.
In any case, I derive great joy from mapping out a yearlong journey of tennis reading. Sometimes, that process is just as rewarding as the books themselves. Here is a list of the new tennis books slated for publication in 2025 that I am particularly excited about.
The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay
A biography of the greatest player ever to walk the face of this planet by, Christopher Clarey, one of tennis’s most respected authors. It promises to focus on his unparalleled dominance of clay and his mindset as one of the sport’s greatest competitors. This book is expected to go beyond tennis by exploring the lessons behind Nadal’s relentless drive and remarkable achievements.
Expected May 13, 2025.
(Untitled) Memoir of Bethanie Mattek-Sands
Yes, please! Though this book has yet to receive an official title, it is expected to tell the inspiring story of her rise to tennis stardom, her devastating knee injury at Wimbledon 2017, and her incredible comeback fueled by resilience and grit. The prepublication release promises to trace her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a world number one and Grand Slam Champion and offering a compelling look at the highs and lows of a truly iconic career.
Expected September 30, 2025.
Lucky Loser: Adventures in Tennis and Comedy
In Lucky Loser, Michael Kosta hilariously chronicles his unlikely journey from being the world’s #864-ranked tennis player to a stand-up comic and host of The Daily Show. With sharp wit and heartfelt honesty, Kosta shares misadventures from the grueling tennis circuit and the cutthroat world of comedy, weaving in universal lessons about failure, resilience, and finding humor in life’s setbacks.
Expected March 11, 2025.
This book promises to share stories from Claudio Pistolesi, the coach of Monica Seles’s comeback, who has also worked with other legends of the sport. This book has the potential to deliver a unique insider’s look at some of the sport’s greatest moments, players, and lessons.
Expected June 30, 2025.
Champion Mindset: How to Coach Yourself to Win
Patrick Mouratoglou’s previous book focused on what a great coach he is, as he took credit for the achievements of Serena Williams. Based on the prepublication press, this one may offer more direct coaching advice for recreational players. I am trying to keep an open mind.
Expected May 13, 2025.
Ace, Marvel, Spy: A Novel of Alice Marble
A fictionalized novel about… what if everything Alice Marble claimed about her life were true? This promises to be a raucous read.
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