The OTA Guide to Great Tennis Movies, Books and Media
There is a myriad of fantastic information and entertainment sources featuring the sport of tennis. Below are a few popular tennis movies, documentaries, books, websites and podcasts that will definitely be of interest to anybody who enjoys playing or following the sport. Enjoy!
Jump to Section: Feature Movies | Documentaries | Books | Websites | Podcasts
Feature Movies
Wimbledon - released 2004
A pro tennis player has lost his ambition and fallen in rank to 119. Fortunately for him, he meets a young player on the women’s circuit who helps him recapture his focus for Wimbledon. Featuring Kirsten Dunst, Paul Bettany and Jon Favreau
To watch the trailer click here.
To watch on Netflix click here.
To watch on Amazon Prime click here.
To purchase a DVD on Amazon click here.
Battle of the Sexes – released 2017
In 1973, the world witnessed one of the most dramatic tennis matches ever played when the renowned player Billie Jean King competes with the former champion Bobby Riggs, while they deal with their own personal issues.
To watch the trailer click here.
To watch on Amazon Prime click here.
King Richard - released 2021
Richard William lives with his family in California and also is the father of two tennis legends, Venus William and Serena William. This movie portrays the history of two sisters and their journey to becoming professional tennis players, which could not be done without the discipline, hard work and the unconditional contribution of their father. This movie reveals the price of being successful. Everything worthwhile takes time, sometimes even tears, and blood.
To watch the trailer click here.
To watch on Crave TV click here.
To watch on Amazon Prime click here.
To purchase a DVD on Amazon click here.
Documentaries
The Journeymen – released 2004
A fascinating glimpse into a nightmare of pursuing the tennis dream. Mark Keil and Geoff Grant carry "cameras" around and "videotape" their endeavours trying to "make it" on the pro tour years before anybody had even heard of an iPhone let alone uploading something to YouTube. Features Andre Agassi and Goran Ivanisevic.
To watch the trailer click here.
To purchase a DVD on Amazon click here.
Unstrung – released 2007
Unstrung exposes the dramas of the junior tennis world, hitting the road with a handful of teenage competitors as they head for the national championships. Features Andre Agassi, Nick Bollettieri and Jim Courier.
To watch the trailer click here.
To watch on Amazon click here.
McEnroe Borg, Fire & Ice – released 2011
Inside the fiery rivalry between John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg that put tennis in the headlines in the late 1970s ad early 1980s. Featuring John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg and Patrick McEnroe.
To watch the trailer click here.
To watch on Amazon click here.
Venus and Serena – released 2013
Ever since Venus and Serena Williams started playing in tennis tournaments, they've provoked strong reactions - from awe and admiration to suspicion and resentment. They've been winning championships for over a decade, pushing the limits of longevity in such a demanding sport. How long can they last? In Venus & Serena, we gain unprecedented access into their lives during the most intimidating year of their career. Over the course of 2011, Venus grappled with an energy-sapping autoimmune disease while Serena battled back from a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Neither Venus nor Serena let their adversities hold them back. They drew their greatest strength from each other.
To watch the trailer click here.
To watch on Amazon click here.
American Masters: Althea – released 2015
Meet Althea Gibson, the first African American to play and win at Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals.
To watch the trailer click here.
To watch on Amazon Prime click here.
Love Means Zero – released 2017
Tennis coach Nick Bollettieri has coached many champions during his time on the court, however his relentless desire to win at all costs leads to the destruction of an important relationship. Featuring Nick Bollettieri, Andre Agassi, Jim Courier and Canada’s Carling Bassett
To watch the trailer click here.
To watch on Crave TV click here.
In the Realm of Perfection – released 2018
A documentary set at the final of the 1984 French Open between John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl at a time when McEnroe was the world's top-ranked player. Featuring John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl.
To watch the trailer click here.
To watch on Amazon Prime click here.
To watch on Apple TV click here.
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Being Serena – released in 2018
(Docuseries) A look at how tennis legend Serena Williams takes on pregnancy and motherhood while still being the most dominant player on the court.
To watch the trailer click here.
To watch on Crave TV click here.
Andy Murray: Resurfacing – released 2019
Tracking Andy Murray's injury journey between 2017 and 2019. The tennis star is shown at his most vulnerable, from the front lines of surgical theatres to the intimate corners of his home.
To watch the trailer click here.
To watch on Amazon Prime click here.
Books
Days of Grace: A Memoir by Arthur Ashe, – released 1994
DAYS OF GRACE is an inspiring memoir of a remarkable man who was the true embodiment of courage, elegance, and the spirit to fight: Arthur Ashe--tennis champion, social activist, and the person with AIDS. Frank, revealing, touching - DAYS OF GRACE is the story of a man who felled too soon.
To order online at Amazon click here.
You Cannot be Serious by John McEnroe– released 2002
A no-holds-barred, intimate memoir by John McEnroe—the bad boy of professional tennis.John McEnroe stunned the tennis elite when he came out of nowhere to make the Wimbledon semifinals at the age of eighteen—and just a few years later, he was ranked number one in the world. You Cannot Be Serious is McEnroe at his most personal, an intimate examination of Johnny Mac, the kid from Queens, and his “wild ride” through the world of professional tennis at a boom time when players were treated like rock stars.
To order online at Amazon click here.
OPEN: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi– released 2009
Far more than a superb memoir about the highest levels of professional tennis, Open is the engrossing story of a remarkable life. Andre Agassi had his life mapped out for him before he left the crib. Groomed to be a tennis champion by his moody and demanding father, by the age of twenty-two Agassi had won the first of his eight grand slams and achieved wealth, celebrity, and the game’s highest honors. But as he reveals in this searching autobiography, off the court he was often unhappy and confused, unfulfilled by his great achievements in a sport he had come to resent. Agassi writes candidly about his early success and his uncomfortable relationship with fame, his marriage to Brooke Shields, his growing interest in philanthropy, and—described in haunting, point-by-point detail—the highs and lows of his celebrated career.
To order online at Indigo click here.
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Hard Courts: Real Life on the Professional Tennis Tours by John Feinstein – released 2011
The new edition of this bestseller in hardcover features never-before-published, all-new inside info on the money, personalities and politics of pro-tennis: Jimmy, Monica, Boris, Martina, et al.
To order e-book online at Google click here.
The Outsider by Jimmy Connors– released 2014
The Outsider is a no-holds-barred memoir by the original bad boy of tennis, Jimmy Connors. Connors ignited the tennis boom in the 1970s with his aggressive style of play, turning his matches with John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, and Ivan Lendl into prizefights. But it was his prolonged dedication to his craft that won him the public’s adoration. He capped off one of the most remarkable runs in tennis history at the age of 39 when he reached the semifinals of the 1991 U.S. Open, competing against players half his age.
More than just the story of a tennis champion, The Outsider is the uncensored account of Connors' life, from his complicated relationship with his formidable mother and his storybook romance with tennis legend Chris Evert, to his battles with gambling and fidelity that threatened to derail his career and his long-lasting marriage to Playboy playmate Patti McGuire.
When he retired from tennis twenty years ago, Connors all but disappeared from public view. In The Outsider,he is back at the top of his game, and as feisty, outspoken, and defiant as ever.
To order online at Amazon click here.
String Theory by David Foster Wallace– released 2016
If you have the passion for tennis, this book is a must-read. This book contains variety of legendary writings of Wallace, which will magnify you with his insight and the love he has for this sport. It also expresses the competitors' insight and the passionate energy from the aspect of the fan. This book may be thin but it is valuable.
To order online at Amazon click here.
Unstoppable: My Life So Far by Maria Sharapova– released 2017
From the five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova, the candid, captivating story of her rise to tennis stardom.
To order online at Amazon click here.
The Inner Game of Tennis: The Ultimate Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance by Timothy Gallwey– released 2017
W. Timothy Gallwey is the author of the Inner Game books series, which highlights the novel approach for both personal and professional practice. We know that mental health is vital to our players and this book is a great source for any tennis player as it can motivate you with clear and effective messages.
To order online at Amazon click here.
Racquet: The Book by David Shaftel – released 2020
Racquet is a quarterly magazine that celebrates tennis culture, art and style. Racquet: The Book is the collection of the most significant stories that can touch your heart. This book is an aspiration for any tennis lover.
To order online at Amazon click here.
Websites
Aside from the usual tour organization websites;ATP,WTA,ITF,Davis Cup, Fed Cup, etc., the numerous national and regional and individual tournament websites, there are a number of interesting independent websites that provide all sorts of great tennis stories, stats and other info. Here are a few:
Part of The Tennis Media Company – including Tennis Magazine, Tennis.com and Baseline, Tennis.com is the #1 global destination for fans and enthusiasts looking to stay on top of the game, providing 24-hour match coverage in addition to breaking news, live scores and in-depth commentary from the game’s most recognized and respected writers. Racquet reviews, instructional video and features on world-class travel destinations round out the ultimate tennis portal for the largest online community of fans and enthusiasts.
Tennis.Life is a one-stop digital media outlet that tells the stories that the tennis world is talking about, and those that will get the tennis world talking. It boasts a members’ page for fans to curate their own content. Our first-in-class social media streaming feed keeps you up on what’s trending, the latest results and our original content keeps you in the loop about all facets of the tennis life. The Tennis.Life Digital Ad & Data Network reaches over 10 million tennis fans a month. Tennis. Life believes there is much more to the tennis experience beyond the bright lights of Center Court. Canadian Stephanie Myles, one of the most connected writers in the tennis world, is the Editor in Chief!
For those of you interested in the business side of the sport, the Tennis Industry Association, originally founded in 1974 as the American Tennis Federation, celebrates 40 years of growing the game in 2014. Serving as the industry's not-for-profit trade association, the mission of the TIA is to "promote the growth of tennis and the economic vitality of the tennis industry." Focusing its resources on the business of tennis, the TIA produces more than 70 annual research reports to help tennis businesses make the most informed strategic business decisions possible while also working closely with all of its industry partners to grow the game through grass-roots initiatives.
Stevegtennis.com started out way back in 1997 and is the oldest tennis results/news website in the world. We’re dedicated to all-things tennis. From professionals looking to check out our results database to tennis fans looking to check out stats, read breaking news or get involved in discussions, Stevegtennis.com aims to provide the ultimate tennis resource. Stevegtennis.com has between 5,000 and 15,000 visitors every day, and our social media followers include some of tennis’s big names like Bob Bryan and Darren Cahill. If you’ve not already signed up to be part of our tennis community, we’d love you to join our club… To ensure you’re the first to know about any tennis results/news, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
Tennis Now is a tennis media outlet that provides its visitors with breaking news, the latest gossip, tournament updates, live scores, gear previews and reviews, training tips, forum discussions, an interactive online community, and so much more. As a source of tennis-related news, we provide unique stories with exclusive content. Our diverse staff of professionals each share their own perspectives. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of journalism while reporting in a time-critical fashion so the most up-to-date news is always at Tennis Now.
For those of you who might be dreaming about a tennis vacation, this is the website for you. Tennis Resorts Online's founder and editor-in-chief ROGER COX has spent more than 35 years writing about tennis travel. That long stint included a 17-year stretch for Tennis magazine, during which he visited more than 350 tennis resorts on five continents and personally participated in over 50 tennis camps—several of them more than once. His informed perspective on the entire tennis resort and tennis camp landscape underpins this website.No resort paid to be surveyed here. These are not ads but informed descriptions based on Cox's broad, firsthand knowledge and on the wisdom of the Tennis Resorts Online visitors, who are invited to comment about their own vacation experiences. The point of it all is to help you make better choices about where to take your next tennis vacation.
Of course, the OTA must also blow its own horn from time to time. After almost 40 years of publishing history, the printed version of Ontario Tennis Magazine underwent a radical transformation in 2017 – to a new online platform. ONTENNIS.ca - OTA’s digital magazine stays true to its history – delivering informative, exciting and comprehensive news about tennis in Ontario, and beyond, but now with added digital features to enhance the reader experience. The ON TENNIS mobile configuration allows readers to access the publication anywhere, anytime. Its responsive design allows for enhanced graphic design, embedded videos and full online search capabilities. The format is great for PC's, tablets and mobile phones. Check out our stories now- we just released some new ones this week. As an added- bonus, we still publish a printed edition once a year in the summer and archived issues can be found here.
Podcasts
Fun fact: many sources claim that a successful tennis performance is more mental than physical, and that is why tennis is fun, but not easy. Two sport psychology experts, Brian Lomax and Josh Burger, also the hosts of the Tennis IQ podcast wills share their perspective on the importance of mental health. This podcast is where you can learn about your mind because having both physical and mental health is a key to success in tennis.
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcast
ParentingAces - The Junior Tennis and College Tennis Podcast is a channel about the development of tennis players from the start of their journeys until they get to college and beyond. The weekly topics include various subjects such as coaching, parenting, mental issues, etc, with the experts in mentioned fields, who will provide valuable information for parents, coaches, and players.
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcast
With more than 8 million downloads, star guests including Andy Murray, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova & even Jose Mourinho, and fans in more than 100 countries around the globe, The Tennis Podcast is for anyone that has the vaguest interest in the sport right through to the hardcore fan.
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcast
Sports Illustrated executive editor Jon Wertheim takes fans beyond the baseline and between the lines with tennis commentary and exclusive interviews with the top players and newsmakers on the ATP and WTA tours.
Available on: Stitcher, Apple Podcast, Spotify
Tune in each Wednesday to hear experts and ATP/WTA players talk about everything tennis, from happenings on the court to what goes on behind the scenes on tour and in the press room.
Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Ben Lewis and Mike McIntyre provide weekly coverage of the ATP and WTA with a focus on Canada’s top players. Match Point Canada is the Official Podcast of Tennis Canada and part of The Tennis Channel Podcast Network.
Available on: Stitcher
The OTA launched ONTENNIS Podcasts in 2019 with an exclusive interview with Canadian tennis sensation Bianca Andreescu, who was fresh off her victory at the so-called “5th Major” at Indian Wells in March. Subsequent guests have included Canadian coach Rob Steckley, James Blake and Stacey Allaster. ONTENNIS focuses on in-depth coverage of the Provincial, National and International tennis scenes with an emphasis on the grass-roots part of the sport. To listen to all episodes of ONTENNIS Podcasts presented by Mayfair Clubs, search ONTENNIS on Google Play, SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.
The search locations listed for any of the releases above are only suggestions and are not necessarily the only locations where they are available. We hope you enjoy these terrific tennis multi-media properties and encourage you to visit the OTA social media sites like Facebook @OntarioTennisAssociation , Twitter @TennisOntario and Instagram @ontariotennisassociation , tell us what you think of them and maybe suggest some other movies, books and online sites that you think readers might also enjoy.
New article on ONTennis.ca from Scott Langdon: An exhaustive list of tennis media (books & film) and simple exercises to perform... while seated🛋️ Anything we missed? 🤔 Link below + in bio!
đź”—: http://ontennis.ca/articles/2021/couchtennis21.html
#AD New OTA partner @ThingsEngraved is pleased to offer a 15% introductory discount on any gift item, including Valentine’s Day gifts at www.thingsengraved.ca . Use promo code LoveTEOTA-15 when ordering.
Things Engraved is Canada’s premier gifting company. It specializes in personalized gifts, such as engraved and embroidered items for all occasions. Happy shopping!
#partnership #giftguide #valentinesday #engravinggifts #shopcanadian
NEW article on ONTennis.ca (Link below ⬇️ ): We take a look at what it’s like to be a tennis official! As competitive tennis grows, there will be more demand than ever. Read about how some of Canada’s most senior officials got started...We also provide insight, guidelines and contact information for anyone who might want to give tennis officiating a try!
đź”— : http://ontennis.ca/articles/2021/GameSetMatch21.html
Enjoy!
Thanks to our communities, @CapitalKidsTennis was nominated under the category of Ottawa's Best Youth Sports Program for the 2021 Ottawa Awards by Faces Magazine (@facesOttawa)!
Voting ends Jan 30th...check out link in bio!
**This program would not have been possible without @ONTrillium @NCTA.ca and @cityofottawa. Thanks to their support, Capital Kids has been able to introduce tennis to kids/teens from diverse Ottawa neighbourhoods in a safe, fun environment. We hope to be back on the court soon. Please stay safe!
NEW article on ONTennis.ca: Competitive Seniors Tennis 🎾Poised for Growth by Scott Langdon
đź”— (Link in bio!)
http://ontennis.ca/articles/2020/competitiveseniors20.html
The latest @ ONTennis.ca 🎾💻 we dive into the history of #Yonex from its beginnings as the Yoneyama Corporation in Japan in the 1950’s to its present-day status as a global sports super-brand! The OTA is proud to welcome Yonex as the Official Racquet and String of the Association.
đź”— Link in bio to read the full story. Enjoy!
Read our latest story from @max_gao in which he talks to pros @rolandgarros - See what @rafaelnadal, @geniebouchard, @petra.kvitova, @denis.shapovalov, & @gabydabrowski have to say about how their lives have changed on and off court during the pandemic.
(Link to story in bio and below đź”— ) : http://ontennis.ca/articles/2020/pandemicTennis20.html
#tbt As all municipalities now allow doubles play across Ontario, enjoy this backspin read on doubles team chemistry.
đź”— : ontennis.ca/articles/2020/DoubleDreamTeam_2013.html
📸 : @jagphotography
#backspin #getonthecourt
Beloved Canadian tennis star Bruno Agostinelli Jr. passed away tragically in 2016 at the age of 28. His younger brother Gianluca lovingly remembers his brother in this tribute story. Gianluca tells us about Bruno’s wonderful accomplishments as a junior, college and Davis Cup star and about how he inspired the next generation as an elite coach at Tennis Canada. But, more than that, he shares what it meant to be Bruno’s brother and how he was inspired by Bruno in tennis and in life… and still is. After stepping away from the sport, Gianluca was drawn back to it as a way of coming to terms with Bruno’s passing and to feel close to him once again.
Read about Bruno’s incredible legacy: http://ontennis.ca/articles/2020/StringsAttached.html
NEW POD ALERT! 🎙️ In this special edition of the ONTENNIS Podcast presented by Mayfair Clubs, we speak with the OTA’s President and CEO Jim Boyce about the effects of COVID-19 on tennis in the province.
Jim discusses how the tennis landscape has changed since the pandemic and what measures the OTA’s member clubs and their members will face as they attempt to re-open safely.
In a dynamic, ever-changing environment, Jim talks about the OTA’s role, the clubs and academies challenges and the responsibilities and directions outlined by the various levels of government that will shape the way tennis is played as we return to the courts!
To listen to this episode now, visit one of the podcast apps below đź”—: Soundcloud: http://ow.ly/BLdh50zOybL
Apple Podcasts: https://cutt.ly/ZyO9oCj
Stitcher: https://cutt.ly/oyO9pV6
Google Podcasts: https://cutt.ly/wyO9aFP
Congrats to @mattross96 for being last week’s #playtennisathome winner and receiving a gift card from @merchanttennis 🎾
A new winner will be drawn at the end of the week...remember to tag @merchanttennis and @ontariotennisassociation and get those videos in!
Good Luck! (Open to Canadian residents only)
Contest details đź”—: merchantoftennis.com/pages/playing-tennis-at-home-contest
Mayfair Clubs is running a fun colouring contest for you and the kids to showcase your artistic skills & relieve some stress! Five lucky winners will receive a GIANT TENNIS BALL! 🎾
Colouring sheets are created and designed by the talented Carol Gouveia @carolinnegouveia from the Mayfair Clubs marketing team. ***Go to link in @mayfairclubs bio for Contest details and downloadable colouring sheets.
Contest ends May 20th. Happy colouring!đź–Ť