One of the unexpected side benefits of this site is that it provides a thinly veiled excuse to continuously add tennis books to my collection. The sheer volume and diversity of tennis-related literature available today reflects the deep history of the sport and how it continues to resonate in current popular culture . As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the books reviewed on this site over the past year. From art and history to biographies, novels, and training guides, these titles offer something for every tennis enthusiast, showcasing the sport’s rich tapestry both on and off the court.
Tennis Travel and the Arts
The Tennis Court: A Journey to Discover the World’s Greatest Tennis Courts. This book offers a visual journey through 200 of the world’s most iconic and unique tennis courts, blending stunning photography with rich storytelling. Each venue is accompanied by essays that capture its history, anecdotes, and beauty, inspiring tennis enthusiasts and travelers to explore these remarkable locations. Full Review (10/24/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Tennis Players as Works of Art. This book reimagines tennis by blending athleticism with artistic expression, pairing artwork and narratives to explore the sport’s cultural and aesthetic dimensions. It highlights iconic players and pioneers, offering a fresh perspective that celebrates tennis as a multifaceted art form and invites readers to appreciate the artistry of the sport. Full Review (12/19/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Tennis Novels
The Winner: A Novel. Set in the exclusive enclave of Cutters Neck near Cape Cod during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Winner follows Conor O’Toole, a recent law school graduate and tennis instructor. As he navigates the complex social hierarchies of his affluent clients, Conor becomes entangled in morally ambiguous relationships that challenge his principles and ambitions. The novel delves into themes of class disparity, privilege, and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals striving for upward mobility. Readers should be aware that the book contains sexually explicit content integral to character development and narrative progression. Full Review (6/20/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Faults: Not All Are Forgiven. The story in this novel follows professional tennis player Sydney Livingstone, who becomes the target of a mysterious assailant during a tournament leading up to the US Open. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and a wide array of characters, though it has been noted that deeper character development could enhance understanding of their motivations. Additionally, some inaccuracies regarding professional tennis details may distract knowledgeable readers. Despite these points, the novel offers an engaging and fast-paced experience, making it a suitable choice for light, entertainment-focused reading. Full Review (5/23/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Mental Fitness and Performance
Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome. This book by Venus Williams offers a candid glimpse into the mindset and strategies that have propelled her to greatness, both on and off the tennis court. Her resilience journey is fueled by her STRIVE strategy, a holistic approach to wellness and performance. This book emphasizes cultivating a healthy lifestyle through transformative habits and the pursuit of joy, providing practical advice rooted in her personal experiences. Full Review (11/14/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
The Inner Game of Tennis. This year marked the 50th anniversary of Timothy Gallwey’s seminal work, The Inner Game of Tennis, first published in 1974. The book revolutionized tennis training paradigms from focusing solely on physical conditioning and technique to incorporating psychological resilience, mindfulness, and self-awareness. The 50th-anniversary edition maintains the original content, underscoring its timeless wisdom and enduring relevance in both sports and personal development. Full Review (6/13/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Wild Card: Mastering the Mental Game of Tennis. This book by WTA professional Laura Siegemund offers strategies to enhance mental resilience in tennis, focusing on concentration, focus, resilience, mistake management, and self-regulation. It provides insights into handling high-pressure situations during matches and tournaments, aiming to empower athletes to achieve peak performance. Full Review (7/4/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Back to the Zone: Sport and Inner Experiences. Physicist and mental training educator Damien Lafont explores the elusive state athletes refer to as “the Zone,” where peak performance feels effortless. Lafont breaks down this optimal state into its components—such as balance, concentration, and loss of self-consciousness—and offers practical tips to help athletes cultivate a mindset conducive to achieving it. The book emphasizes reducing mental clutter and enhancing focus, providing valuable insights for those aiming to reach their highest potential in sports. Full Review (1/4/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Surrounded by Idiots. In the Netflix docuseries “Break Point,” Aryna Sabalenka is seen with the book Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson, which explores four personality types—Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow—to enhance interpersonal communication. The book suggests that identifying and adapting to these personality types can improve interactions in various settings. While its direct application to on-court tennis performance is limited, it may offer insights into team dynamics and communication strategies. Full Review (5/16/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Tennis Tactics and Training
Arthur Ashe On Tennis: Strokes, Strategy, Traditions, Players, Psychology, and Wisdom. A comprehensive exploration of tennis, reflecting Arthur Ashe’s multifaceted roles as a champion, coach, and commentator. Published posthumously in 1995, the book distills his insights into various aspects of the game, including stroke techniques, strategic play, tennis traditions, player analyses, and the psychological facets essential for success. While some technical advice may appear dated due to the sport’s evolution, Ashe’s perspectives on strategy and mental resilience remain pertinent for players and enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of tennis. Full Review (2/22/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Winning Doubles Strategy for Recreational Tennis Players. This book emphasizes that strategic play can lead to rapid performance improvements, often more effectively than technical enhancements. The book offers actionable tips on court positioning, partner coordination, and in-match adjustments, enabling players to implement these strategies immediately. While some recommendations may be unconventional, the overall framework provides a solid foundation for enhancing doubles play. Full Review (4/18/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Winning Singles Strategy for Recreational Tennis Players. This book provides practical tips for recreational players to improve their singles game through strategic shot selection, consistency, and exploiting opponents’ weaknesses. Emphasizing high-percentage tennis and understanding court geometry, it focuses on intelligent play rather than technical perfection, offering actionable advice to elevate match performance. Full Review (4/25/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
The Truth About Tennis: The Definitive Guide for the Recreational Player. This book offers practical advice for players committed to elevating their game. Drawing on over 50 years of coaching experience, Moran emphasizes planning and intentionality, providing strategies for creating personalized improvement plans, effective pre-match warm-ups, and structured training sessions. The book focuses on high-percentage tennis, advocating for intelligent play over emulating professional techniques, making it a valuable resource for both players and coaches aiming to enhance performance through thoughtful practice and strategic play. Full Review (5/9/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
100 Stretching Exercises for Tennis. This comprehensive guide presents 100 stretching exercises tailored for tennis and other racquet sports, complete with color photos, detailed illustrations, and step-by-step descriptions. It distinguishes between dynamic stretches, recommended before training and competition, and static stretches, suitable for off-court applications to increase range of motion, aid injury recovery, and promote relaxation. The book empowers athletes to customize routines based on individual performance goals, fitness levels, and recovery needs, making it a valuable resource for enhancing flexibility and performance. Full Review (9/12/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Tennis. This comprehensive guide offers nearly 100 tennis-specific exercises, including weight training, flexibility routines, and core-strengthening workouts, all accompanied by clear descriptions and photographs. It provides tailored programs for various phases of the tennis calendar, such as off-season and in-season regimens, catering to players of all skill levels. The book emphasizes customizing routines to individual needs, helping athletes recognize and overcome training plateaus to enhance strength, agility, and endurance on the court. Full Review (9/19/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Extraordinary Tennis for the Ordinary Player. An oldie, but a goodie that was first published in 1970. This book offers practical advice for recreational tennis players, emphasizing consistency, smart shot selection, and reducing unforced errors. It provides insights into court geometry and strategies tailored for everyday players, aiming to improve their game through intelligent play rather than emulating professional techniques. Full Review (9/26/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Training for Speed, Agility, and Quickness. This comprehensive guide offers over 200 drills designed to enhance speed, agility, and quickness across various sports, including tennis. Each chapter focuses on specific training aspects, providing clear explanations and detailed exercises grounded in scientific principles. The book includes sport-specific training schedules, making it a valuable resource for athletes aiming to improve their performance through targeted physical conditioning. Full Review (10/3/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Power Tennis Training. This book provides a comprehensive guide to enhancing tennis performance through plyometric training, focusing on developing power as a combination of strength and speed. Structured into three sequential four-week training blocks, it offers detailed exercises and fitness testing worksheets to improve endurance, muscle strength, and on-court speed. Despite its 1994 publication, the program’s timeless principles continue to benefit players seeking a structured approach to elevate their game. Full Review (10/10/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Professional Tennis Drills. This book offers 75 structured drills to enhance tennis skills, covering stroke technique, footwork, conditioning, and strategy. Each drill includes clear diagrams and explanations, making it adaptable for players at various levels. The emphasis on balancing drill execution with match play provides a comprehensive approach to effective practice routines. Full Review (10/17/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
The Art of Tennis Movement. This book provides a comprehensive guide to improving footwork in tennis, emphasizing its essential role in performance. It progresses from basic principles to advanced techniques tailored for different playing styles and scenarios. With practical drills and links to video demonstrations, it offers a dynamic approach to refining on-court movement. Full Review (11/7/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Secrets of Winning Tennis. “Secrets of Winning Tennis” by Mike Greene and Jim Shakespeare offers practical drills, strategic insights, and mental preparation tips for players aiming to enhance their game. Organized into concise essays, the book covers topics like court geometry and effective shot placement, making it a valuable resource for players seeking to out-think and out-play their opponents. Full Review (11/21/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Tennis Biographies
Naomi Osaka: Her Journey to Finding Her Power and Her Voice. This book explores Naomi Osaka’s rise as a tennis champion and her journey toward using her platform for social justice and mental health advocacy. It delves into her challenges, family influences, and defining moments, offering a nuanced view of her impact on and beyond the tennis court. Full Review (2/1/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
The Racket: Conor Niland. This memoir provides an unfiltered glimpse into the challenges faced by professional tennis players striving to break into the sport’s elite. It delves into the financial strains, limited support from national federations, and ethical dilemmas, such as match-fixing temptations, that players encounter on the Futures and Challenger circuits. The narrative also highlights the psychological and physical toll of pursuing a professional tennis career, offering a candid perspective on the less glamorous aspects of the sport. Full Review (8/22/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Transcendance: Diary of a Tennis Addict. Alizé Cornet’s memoir offers an intimate look into her professional tennis journey, marked by a record 69 consecutive Grand Slam appearances over 17 years. She candidly discusses her psychological struggles, perfectionism, and the challenges of life on the WTA tour, which she describes as “luxury homelessness.” Cornet also addresses systemic issues in tennis, such as the disparity in prize money distribution and the advantages held by top players with larger support teams. Her reflections on meditation and self-acceptance highlight her pursuit of inner peace amid the rigors of professional sport. Full Review (Date) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Unbreakable. This recounts Jelena Dokic’s journey from a young tennis prodigy to a world-class athlete, shedding light on the severe physical and emotional abuse she endured from her father and coach, Damir Dokic. The book offers a candid portrayal of the challenges she faced, both on and off the court, and serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for abuse in professional sports. Dokic’s story underscores the need for better safeguarding measures to protect young athletes from similar experiences. Full Review (7/11/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Fearless: Finding the Power to Thrive. In her second book, Jelena Dokic candidly shares her ongoing journey toward emotional well-being following the publication of her first memoir, Unbreakable. She delves into personal challenges, including the aftermath of her breakup with a long-term partner, and offers insights into rebuilding self-esteem and resilience. Dokic also addresses systemic issues in professional tennis, such as the abuse of young players and the lack of adequate safeguarding measures, while highlighting the impact of body shaming and the need for more research on women’s health in sports. Her narrative emphasizes the importance of joy, supportive relationships, and appreciating life’s simple pleasures as integral to healing and personal growth. Full Review (7/18/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Breaking Back: How I Lost Everything and Won Back My Life. James Blake recounts his remarkable journey of resilience following a series of personal and professional setbacks in 2004. After fracturing his neck during a practice match in Rome, Blake faced additional challenges, including the loss of his father to stomach cancer and a bout with shingles that temporarily paralyzed half his face. Despite these adversities, he achieved a career-high ATP ranking of World No. 4 in 2006. The memoir offers insights into his development as a mixed-race athlete, his experiences with racial issues in tennis, and the influential role of his longtime coach, Brian Barker. Blake’s story serves as an inspiring testament to human strength, self-discovery, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. Full Review (2/8/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Muscles: The Story of Ken Rosewall. This book by by Richard Naughton chronicles the life and career of one of tennis’s greatest players, tracing Ken Rosewall’s rise as a teenage prodigy, his professional achievements, and his role in the transition to the Open Era. The book highlights Rosewall’s skill, consistency, and resilience, providing a detailed look at his impact on the sport during a transformative period in tennis history. Full Review (1/11/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Lobbing Into The Sun. Concise tennis strategies and insights from the legendary coach of Australia’s dominant Davis Cup teams in the 1950s and 1960s, Harry Hopman. While some advice may seem dated, much remains relevant for today’s players. The book emphasizes the strategic use of the lob and adherence to the rules, reflecting Hopman’s meticulous approach to the game. Although out of print, copies can occasionally be found through secondary markets. Full Review (1/18/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Ashe vs Connors: Wimbledon 1975 – Tennis that went beyond centre court. Peter Bodo’s book delves into the contrasting lives and careers of Arthur Ashe and Jimmy Connors, culminating in their historic Wimbledon final. Through alternating biographical chapters, Bodo examines their differing philosophies, particularly regarding Davis Cup participation, and the off-court tensions that influenced their rivalry. The book provides a nuanced understanding of this pivotal moment in tennis history, highlighting how the 1975 Wimbledon final was as much about personal and ideological clashes as it was about athletic prowess. Full Review (2/29/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
The Outsider: A Memoir. Jimmy Connors’ memoir provides an unfiltered glimpse into his tumultuous tennis career. With unapologetic candor, Connors reflects on the major events that shaped his life, including his complex relationships with his mother and coach, Gloria Connors, and mentor Pancho Segura. He delves into his personal struggles, such as financial mismanagement and gambling addiction, and offers insights into his ambivalence toward the Davis Cup competition. This memoir is highly recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of one of the sport’s most enigmatic personalities. Full Review (3/14/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
The Game: My 40 Years in Tennis. Jack Kramer’s memoir provides an in-depth look at his influential role in tennis history. Kramer was instrumental in transitioning the sport into the Open Era, advocating for player rights, and laying the groundwork for the modern ATP Tour. His multifaceted career encompassed roles as a player, promoter, commentator, and union leader, offering readers a comprehensive perspective on tennis’s evolution during a pivotal period. Full Review (4/11/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
First Lady of Tennis: Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman. Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman was a pioneering figure in women’s tennis, renowned for her aggressive net play and significant contributions to the sport’s development. She founded the Wightman Cup, an annual team competition between British and American women, and secured 45 U.S. titles during her career. Beyond her on-court achievements, Wightman was instrumental in coaching and mentoring future tennis champions, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history. Full Review (8/8/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Tennis History
Tennis and the Newport Casino. This book celebrates the Newport Casino’s pivotal role in American tennis history and cultural heritage. Through a curated collection of photographs from the International Tennis Hall of Fame, it chronicles the site’s evolution from hosting the first U.S. National Singles Championship in 1881 to its current status as a National Historic Landmark. The book delves into the Casino’s architectural splendor and significance as a social hub during the Gilded Age, offering readers a visual journey into the rich tapestry of tennis and high society in Newport. Full Review (12/12/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
The Golden Era: The Extraordinary Two Decades When Australians Ruled the Tennis World. A comprehensive account of Australia’s dominance in tennis during the 1950s and 1960s. Authored by Rod Laver in collaboration with journalist Larry Writer, the book delves into the achievements of legendary Australian players such as Frank Sedgman, Ken Rosewall, Lew Hoad, Neale Fraser, Margaret Court, and Evonne Goolagong. Laver provides personal insights into this remarkable period, highlighting the unique tennis culture in Australia, the influence of the Lawn Tennis Association of Australia (now Tennis Australia), and the important role of coach Harry Hopman. The narrative also addresses the challenges of the amateur system and the transition to the Open Era, offering a detailed perspective on a pivotal time in tennis history. Full Review (1/25/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Game Changers: How the Greatest Players, Matches, and Controversies Transformed Tennis. This book is a collection of essays that delve into the pivotal players, matches, and controversies that have shaped tennis over the past 15 years. It offers in-depth features on legends like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams, as well as profiles of emerging stars. The essays explore significant debates and provide fresh perspectives on iconic rivalries, making it a compelling read for tennis enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the sport’s evolution. Full Review (8/29/24) (Sponsored) Amazon Link
Fiend At Court participates in the Amazon associates program and receives a paid commission on any purchases made via the links in this article. Details on the disposition of proceeds are available on the “About Fiend at Court” page.
