10 Tennis Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

When Ian Westermann discovered the real obstacle in tennis is not just technique but how players perceive the ball, he set out to reshape the way you approach the game. Drawing from over a decade running EssentialTennis.com, Westermann breaks down the mechanics of groundstrokes, volleys, and serves, but more importantly, he challenges your mindset about shot execution and strategy. You learn to integrate movement, mental toughness, and practice drills that genuinely enhance court performance, not just theory. Whether you're a player aiming to reduce errors or a coach seeking a holistic teaching framework, this book offers concrete insights that can sharpen your competitive edge.

Richard Evans, a tennis journalist with over six decades covering more than 200 Grand Slams, brings unmatched authority to this thorough exploration of tennis history. Drawing from his extensive experience as a BBC Radio commentator and Tennis Channel contributor, Evans chronicles tennis from its royal origins to contemporary global icons. You'll gain insights into pivotal matches, like the legendary 1980 Borg-McEnroe tiebreak, and understand the sport's evolution through compelling player stories and political undercurrents. This book is best suited for those passionate about tennis history and its cultural impact, rather than readers seeking technical playing guides.

This tailored book provides a personalized framework for mastering tennis skills, tactics, and the mental game, designed to fit your specific background and goals. It offers step-by-step strategies to enhance stroke techniques, court positioning, and match play decisions, integrating mental resilience training with practical drills. By focusing on your unique strengths and weaknesses, it cuts through generic advice and delivers a tailored approach that fits your playing style and competitive context. The book also explores adaptive tactics for various opponents and situations, ensuring you develop a comprehensive, actionable plan that elevates your entire game.

When Billie Jean King first reflected on her life, she crafted more than just an autobiography—she created a candid narrative that intertwines her groundbreaking tennis career with her steadfast activism. You learn not only about her athletic triumphs like twenty Wimbledon titles and the "Battle of the Sexes" victory but also gain insight into leadership, social justice, and personal resilience amid cultural upheavals. The book delves into her battles with sexism, identity, and public scrutiny, offering perspectives valuable to those passionate about sports, equality, and personal growth. If you seek a portrait of an athlete who reshaped sports and society, this book offers an unvarnished look at the costs and victories along that path.

When Christopher Clarey first realized the depth of Roger Federer's journey beyond the court, he set out to capture the man behind the legend. Drawing from nearly three decades covering international sports, Clarey offers you an intimate view of Federer's evolution from a temperamental teenager into a poised champion, exploring not just his remarkable skills but the relentless grit fueling his success. You'll find detailed accounts of pivotal matches, insights from Federer's inner circle, and an exploration of the challenges Federer faced in sustaining excellence. This book suits anyone captivated by tennis history, athlete psychology, or the intricate dynamics of professional sports careers.

What if everything you knew about doubles tennis tactics was incomplete? Bob Allcorn, a retired commercial litigation attorney turned passionate doubles player, distilled insights from over 100 tennis pros, including legends like the Bryan Brothers and Martina Navratilova, into this focused guide. You’ll learn specific set plays, coordinated strategies aligned with ITF rules, and nuanced tips that sharpen your doubles play from club to college level. Chapters break down positioning, communication, and situational tactics, making this a resource tailored for anyone serious about elevating their doubles game. If you want to master teamwork and court awareness, this book offers detailed guidance without fluff.

This personalized tennis training book offers a tailored approach to accelerating performance through a focused 30-day program. It provides a structured plan combining daily custom drills designed to enhance stroke mechanics, footwork, and court positioning with mindset coaching to build mental resilience and strategic thinking. The book cuts through generic advice by fitting your specific playing level, goals, and style, enabling targeted improvements in fitness and court performance. It addresses both physical conditioning and psychological readiness, providing exercises, practice routines, and mental strategies that align with your individual context. This tailored framework ensures concentrated progress without unnecessary information, optimizing your tennis development within a month.

When Maria Sharapova first discovered the harsh realities behind tennis stardom, she transformed her childhood struggles and triumphs into this candid autobiography. You learn not only about her rise from a seven-hundred-dollar start at a Florida tennis academy to becoming a five-time Grand Slam champion but also gain insight into the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level. The book explores pivotal moments like her shocking Wimbledon victory over Serena Williams and her relentless comeback battles. If you want an unfiltered glimpse into the pressures and perseverance behind professional tennis, this book speaks directly to you.

When Gordon Forbes first realized how much the tennis circuit was as much about personalities as play, he crafted a memoir that blends humor with firsthand stories from the sport's golden era. You get a vivid portrait of life on the international tennis scene in the fifties and sixties, from gravel courts in South Africa to Wimbledon’s grass, meeting legends like Billy Jean King and Rod Laver along the way. Forbes doesn’t just recount matches; he exposes the camaraderie, rivalries, and backstage antics that defined a transformative period in tennis. If you’re drawn to sports biographies that reveal the human side behind the game, this book offers a candid, witty glimpse that seasoned fans and newcomers alike will appreciate.

What started as Andre Agassi's personal wrestling with the pressures of early tennis stardom became a candid exploration of the sport's mental and physical demands. You gain an intimate look at the grueling training camps of his youth, his rebellious adolescence, and the emotional toll behind headline matches and rivalries with legends like Pete Sampras. The book offers detailed snapshots of pivotal career moments, such as his 1992 Wimbledon breakthrough and his eventual comeback culminating in the 1999 French Open victory. If you want to understand the inner conflicts and resilience required at tennis’s highest levels, this autobiography brings that to life without sugarcoating the struggle.

What if everything you knew about tennis conditioning was wrong? Paul Roetert, with his deep expertise as Managing Director of the USTA Player Development Program, challenges conventional training wisdom by focusing on a holistic approach to tennis fitness. You’ll learn how to assess your fitness baseline, improve footwork, enhance speed, agility, stamina, and mental focus, all while reducing injury risk. The book’s detailed drills and programs, complemented by a 90-minute DVD demonstrating pro-level exercises, make it a practical resource. If you’re serious about elevating your athleticism on the court, this guide offers concrete methods, though casual players might find some sections too technical.

Drawing from decades as an Elite-rated USPTA teaching pro and acclaimed tennis writer, Paul Fein presents an instruction manual that ventures beyond typical coaching books. You explore nuanced topics like grip firmness, balance, and the geometry of tennis, alongside detailed analyses of the playing styles of legends like Federer and Williams. The book also delves into less-covered areas such as playing in the wind and match momentum, offering practical insights for improving defense and tactical choices. Whether you're a club player or a coach, this volume challenges you to rethink technique and strategy with fresh perspectives and expert interviews.