Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis--Lessons from a Master

This book is the tennis reference, super enterteining and Brad way of telling the story is great. I had put into practice must of the recommendations with outstanding results.

A good bundle of practical advice for tennis players of all levels.

Excellent book, unveiling another dimension of the game. I applied its content, and I saw immediate results. I did not have to practice many hours to change any of my strokes to win against players who used to give me trouble. On the other hand, based on my improved analysis of the game, I now know the shots I have to master in my practice sessions to get even better.

I have more fun playing in leagues and tournaments because, now, I am able to manage the game, always trying the find the weak spots of my opponent, in order to get him to play difficult shots.


Marc, Gatineau (Québec) Canada

If you love tennis, then you will love this book! I had put off buying it for many months, because I was turned off by the title. I equated "ugly" with cheating, or using cheap tricks to try to win matches. But I was wrong. It's not about cheating; it's about strategy and using your head!

In "Winning Ugly" you will learn how to analyze your opponent's game and develop a strategy for playing matches. You will also learn about the strengths and weakness of some of the greats like Connors, McEnroe, Becker, Sampras, Agassi, and several others. And you will be courtside as the authors describe matches Brad Gilbert played against these great players.

"Winning Ugly" is simply the best reading I have ever found about the great game of tennis. It's fun and enjoyable from beginning to end, and it will improve your game too. You can't find that combination in any other book on tennis that I know of.

Whereas Gallwey's "The Inner Game of Tennis" is an Eastern or Zen approach to tennis; "Winning Ugly" is a Western, analytical approach. The book will leave you wanting more, but there is nothing else like it, so enjoy it slowly to make it last!

This is a great book. The stories about playing days are getting a little dated, but the concepts are timeless. There are several sections that I'm going to re-read. The only people who shouldn't read this are my opponents. :D