Recommendation of tennis biographies inspired by Federer‘s new documentary
With the success of Zendaya-starrer Challengers that has a huge focus on tennis, sports films have recently sprung back in mainstream media. The latest and most mammoth entry into the tennis media canon is Roger Federer’s documentary Federer: Twelve Final Days.
Released last month on Prime Video, the documentary offers an intimate look into the last 12 days of the Swiss great’s illustrious career. In addition to Federer being his candid self, there are also interviews from his contemporaries like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray.
Given the abundance of tennis media, we have narrowed down and compiled a list of some of the best tennis biographies and memoirs that are must-reads if you’re a tennis fan (or gift these to those who are!):
Author: René Stauffer
Veteran tennis writer René Stauffer delves into Federer’s journey from his early life in Basel, Switzerland to the height of his career, winning his 20th Grand Slam. It covers his triumphs, challenges, and personal growth. This comprehensive account is perfect for those wanting an in-depth look at Federer’s life and career.
Seven-time Wimbledon champion, retired American tennis player Pete Sampras shares his journey to becoming a tennis legend, detailing his mental strategies, challenges, and victories. This book offers a deep dive into the mindset required to stay at the top, making it a valuable read for aspiring athletes and fans of tennis history.
Author: Andre Agassi
Former world No.1 Adree Agassi’s candid autobiography reveals the highs and lows of his career and personal life. He writes in detail about every pivotal match and life’s key moments and all the people who shaped his life, including Stefanie Graf. One of the bestselling tennis biographies, known for its raw honesty, this book is essential for understanding the complex life of one of tennis’s most fascinating and rebellious figures.
Author: United Library
Even if you’re not the biggest tennis fan, you’ve heard of him. He’s Novak Djokovic. This biography covers Novak Djokovic’s rise to the top of the tennis world, highlighting his determination, discipline, and resilience. It provides insights into his career achievements and personal philosophy, making it a great read for fans of Djokovic and modern tennis.
Author: Sania Mirza
Sania Mirza’s autobiography chronicles her journey as one of India’s most successful tennis players. She became a national sensation when she won the Wimbledon Championships girls’ doubles title at 16. Through the book, the six-time Grand Slam champion shares her challenges, triumphs, and experiences in breaking barriers.
Author: Jacqueline Edmondson
This biography explores the lives and careers of the Williams sisters who entered professional tennis at the end of the 20th century, their rise to dominance, and their impact on the sport. It highlights their struggles and successes, providing a comprehensive look at the legacy of the Williams sisters: Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam title winner, and Serena, a 23-time Grand Slam title winner.
Author: Maria Sharapova
Sharapova’s autobiography details her journey from a young prodigy to a global tennis star, including her successes and controversies. She also provides her candid story on her suspension during the 2016 Australian Open due to intake of performance-enhancing drugs. Her story of resilience and determination is both captivating and inspiring, making it a must-read for fans of Sharapova and women’s sports.
Love sports biographies? Read: Sports Biographies That Score a Perfect 10
