25 Fun tennis romance books to read this season

Clean Point by Meg Jones

A spicy enemies-to-lovers romance about a disgraced tennis player who partners with her father’s rival for a chance at redemption—perfect for fans of Carrie Soto Is Back and Icebreaker. 

Former tennis prodigy Scottie Sinclair is a cheat.

Or at least, that’s what the world thinks. After all, who would believe she was secretly drugged by her own father before winning the women’s singles title at Wimbledon?

Game Point by Meg Jones

A sweet and spicy friends-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of the Australian Open, from the author of Clean Point.

In the aftermath of Dylan Bailey’s tenth Grand Slam loss, she decides to put her racket away for good. Until a tempting bet from fellow pro Oliver Anderson convinces her to give it one last shot.

If she sticks it out, and still loses the next tournament, she takes home his US Open Trophy, and is free to walk away from the sport forever. To sweeten the deal, Oliver proposes a twist—he’ll swap his racket for a whistle and coach Dylan in the months leading up to the Australian Open. 

Set Point by Meg Jones

A sizzling sapphic enemies-to-lovers romance between two rival tennis superstars, taking place during the US Open!

Nothing fades faster than a former prodigy—and Inés Costa is dangerously close to disappearing.

Once queen of the court, Inés is limping through qualifiers. And after losing her biggest sponsor to Chloe Murphy, the sport’s fiery new favorite, she and her bank account are running on fumes.

Game, Set, Match by Jennifer Iacopelli

She’s a tennis superstar on the rise. He’s the bad boy champ who broke her heart. When they meet on the court, their competition is hot—but their chemistry is even hotter. From the author of Finding Her Edge—inspiration for the Netflix original series!​

All of Penny Harrison’s hard work is finally paying off. At 21 years old, she’s a tennis icon in-the-making, with massive sponsorship deals and legendary status on the horizon, if she can just nail the upcoming Grand Slam in Paris. Until then, there’s no room for mistakes.

Wildcard by Jennifer Iacopelli

A tennis star takes a big swing on a secret romance in this juicy sports rom com filled with friendship, rivalries, and drama

She’s at the top of her game … can she risk falling for him? 

Indiana Gaffney’s first love has always been tennis, and after snagging a slot at the elite Outer Banks Tennis Club, she’s climbing the ranks quicker than one of her own speeding serves. But Indy wants more than top billing at the club—she’s set her sights on a wildcard invitation to Wimbledon and she’s going to do anything it takes to make sure that spot is hers.   

The Open Era by Edward Schmit

Love evens the score between two tennis players in this stunning debut romance.

Recently-turned-pro tennis player Austin Hardy has been out since high school and it’s never been a big deal. That is, until he becomes the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam tournament. Suddenly, being gay is a huge deal, with headlines to prove it.

Unprepared for this new spotlight, Austin’s anxiety disorder hits a breaking point, and he trips and falls at practice. Right next to the very attractive, very talented, and probably straight Diego Cruz, ranked second in the world.

Triple Threat by Katie Chandler

Octavia Ricci has spent her entire life proving she doesn’t need anyone—especially not her father, the controlling coach who built her career and broke her spirit. But after a public meltdown at the Australian Open, the icy Grand Slam champion isn’t sure if she ever wants to play again. She agrees to take it one tournament at a time, now under a new coach, determined to find her footing and love of the game again.

Ariel de Cordova was once the next big thing in tennis until a devastating injury ended his career. Now, with his confidence shot, he’s not sure he can handle another player’s comeback story—especially not a player as volatile as Octavia. But as they practice, they both tentatively open up about their experiences and begin to heal their deepest wounds.

Drop Shot by Vai Denton

Delilah Anderson is no stranger to sacrifice where her siblings are concerned. Who needs to go to college when you have three hungry mouths to feed and pro tennis money in your sights? Except it’s not that simple. No matter how hard she works, the bills are piling up ad infinitum. When her doubles partner decides to start focusing on singles, she knows the margins are going to be razor thin.

So when Matteo Corsi, three-time Grand Slam winner and a friend of a friend, offers to play mixed doubles with her, it should be a no-brainer. She doesn’t believe he’s as hateful as the media claims, and with her new endorsement deal, teaming up with him could give her the financial breathing room she needs. But after years of carrying her family on her back, accepting help isn’t Delilah’s strong suit.

Cross Court by Vai Denton

The daughter of a former world number one, Nicola Vassilakis had two junior majors and a ticket to tennis stardom before she even turned eighteen. But since going pro, Nic has endured only injuries and losses. Seven years later, the spotlight’s moved on to younger talent, her love of the game has dried up, and she has nothing to show for it but an aching need for the adoration and belonging she once had.

When her performance coach takes an unexpected leave, Nic’s left with two choices: go without and chance falling further behind, or trust Aleksandr Morozov, her rival’s brother, to take over. He’s confident, charming, and knows how much he gets under her skin. What’s more, Nic can’t afford to depend on someone who might still be playing for the other side.

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Carrie Soto is fierce, and her determination to win at any cost has not made her popular. But by the time she retires from tennis, she is the best player the world has ever seen. She has shattered every record and claimed twenty Grand Slam titles. And if you ask Carrie, she is entitled to every one. She sacrificed nearly everything to become the best, with her father, Javier, as her coach. A former champion himself, Javier has trained her since the age of two.

But six years after her retirement, Carrie finds herself sitting in the stands of the 1994 US Open, watching her record be taken from her by a brutal, stunning player named Nicki Chan.

Backhanded Compliments by Katie Chandler

A steamy sapphic romance with a fantastical twist about two bitter tennis rivals who realize they are reluctant soulmates—perfect for fans of Expiration Dates and Here We Go Again.

Juliette Ricci dreams of only one thing: being the best women’s tennis player in the world. She’s worked nonstop with her strict father/coach to prepare for her big chance in the Australian Open. Unfortunately, she’ll be playing Lucky Luca Kacic, an aloof player whose unorthodox style and reigning popularity deeply irritate Juliette.

Forty Love by Jane Costello

A fun, sexy rom-com about a woman who discovers it’s never too late to pick up a racket and take another shot at love.

Jules has lived next door to the local tennis club for years without picking up a racket. As a full-time buyer for a chain of lifestyle stores and a single, widowed mother of a teenager, she doesn’t have time for a hobby–or for a potential run-in with her old school crush, Sam, whose killer forehand is now in direct view of her bedroom window.

Match Point by Katherine Reilly

A brand new spicy sports rom-com, full of sizzling chemistry and epic romance for fans of ICEBREAKER and THE FAKE OUT.

In tennis, love means nothing

For two weeks Wimbledon hosts the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world and this year everyone is talking about player Kieran O’Sullivan, the infamous bad boy of the sport with one last chance to win a Grand Slam.

Love and Other Scores by Abra Pressler

Serving up a swoonworthy gay romance full of twists and turns, Love and Other Scores is a bright and entertaining story from a new Australian voice.

Gabriel is a global tennis superstar and heart-throb. As he eyes his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, the pressure is getting to him. After an intense practice session, Gabriel finds refuge in a bar, where he meets Noah.

Double Fault by Micalea Smeltzer

Sabrina

I’m twenty-two, buried in student loans, and soon to be homeless.

I need a job that pays decently—stat.

When my best friend suggests interviewing for a traveling nanny position with some tennis star I think she’s joking. It’s too good to be true. The pay is more than I could dream of. I’d get to travel the world. There don’t seem to be any cons.

Not until I meet my potential boss.

Drop Shot by Micalea Smeltzer

Whimsy

Traveling the world as one of the world’s top tennis player’s assistant should be the time of my life. Except Elias Johnson likes to make my life difficult just for the sake of it. Not to mention the annoying, no good, crush I’ve developed on him. I can’t help it. Even when he drives me insane there’s an underlying sweetness to him. But it’s not like I’m going to act on it.

It all blows up in my face though when he makes one mistake too many in the press. The result? His manager demands he clean up his reputation and for us to fake date. Now, we’re spending even more time together, and Elias is suddenly looking at me like he’s not pretending anymore.

Love Game by Emma Rae

Can a player on the court be a keeper at home?

Elle’s love language is food. But finding the right kind of work in her industry is difficult. After multiple different stints and temporary work, she lands her dream role: a personal chef to huge tennis star, Nicky Salco. It’s just a bonus that he’s handsome and athletic…but totally off limits.

The pressure is on, and not just in the kitchen. As Nicky trains for hours on the court for Wimbledon, Elle treads carefully around his brutally judgemental fiancée, while also trying to ignore her own boyfriend’s cheating habits.

HEART MATCH by Allane Milliane

Falling in love was not in her plans. But ignoring his existence is not an option either…

Olivia Charlton is a workaholic and successful lingerie designer with a perfectly planned life. This includes not giving her one-night stands any chance of a serious relationship since her last painful breakup. That is until she meets sexy Frenchman Lucas Lamaire, who is temporarily staying in the penthouse of her building.

Olivia finds herself unable to resist Luc’s charm and for the first time in a very long while she begins to open her heart. But Luc has omitted to tell her one important fact about himself… how messy will her life get when she discovers who he really is?

Break Point by Alejandra Andrade

A high-stakes, emotionally charged YA sports romance about identity, pressure, and the messy path to healing—perfect for fans of fierce heroines, second-chance friendships, and slow-burn romance.

Tennis prodigy Belén Freeman has spent her life under pressure: training, winning, and carrying the weight of a sports legacy she was born into. But this time, the pressure breaks her.

After a public meltdown at the US Open final, Belén loses more than the match. She loses her composure, her coach, and the sponsorships that once kept her career afloat. Now, with the next Grand Slam fast approaching, she’s scrambling—no coach, no plan, and no room to fail.

40-Love by Olivia Dade

This match is no game.

When a rogue wave strips Tess Dunn of her bikini top, desperate, half-naked times call for desperate, please-cover-me-kids-are-coming-closer measures. Enter Lucas Karlsson, AKA that flirty Swede in the water nearby. When he prevents her bare buoys from being exposed to fellow vacationers, even an ocean can’t drown the sparks that fly.

Lucas, a former top-level tennis pro now giving lessons at the resort, fled there after the abrupt, painful end to his injury-plagued career. But he’s finally ready to move on with his life—and after a few late-night, hands-on sessions with Tess, he’s eager to prove he’s the ace she wants.

Game, Set, Match by Nana Malone

Off the court, tennis star Jason Cartwright’s playboy image is taking a public beating. On the court, he’s down forty-love. A knee injury is shutting down his game, and the paparazzi are splashing his love life on every magazine. A comeback is in order, but the makeover he needs to save his faltering career is in the hands of the woman he loved and left fifteen years ago. While single-mom, Izzy Connors, sees people for who they really are through the lens of her camera, even without it, she knows Jason isn’t the star he appears to be. Although his charm and good looks haven’t dimmed since he broke her heart, all she sees is his wasted talent and playboy lifestyle. Can Izzy put the past behind her and help Jason get his game, and his image, back on track? Or will the click of her camera shatter his world as well as his heart?

All-Star Love by Stephanie J. Scott

A young adult fake dating romance set in the world of competitive tennis

Maisie Maxwell planned for a senior year of dazzling college scouts by playing her best tennis. Instead, her beloved tennis training academy is thrown into scandal—the academy founder and head coach, who happens to be her uncle—took off to Tahiti with the school’s tuition money. Her classmates label her a traitor, but she commits to graduate from the school she loves.

Only her aim to lay low is thwarted by the school’s new partnership with reality show The Academy, their last ditch hope to stay open.

Game, Set, Matched by Ivy Bailey

A tennis-inspired YA romance, perfect for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty and Carrie Soto is Back!

On the court, they’re the perfect pair. Off the court, however…

Billie could win the junior doubles final at Wimbledon—but she needs a new partner. Too bad her best option is Harley, her coach’s nephew she’s always hated. Billie hates Harley’s lackadaisical attitude, but he’s determined to teach her how to relax and (literally) take her eye off the ball. The more time they spend together, the more Billie wonders… is there more to winning than just a trophy?

Painting the Lines by Ashley R. King

ago, she’s lost her spark.

Feeling pressure from her father to leave her writing behind and to work for her family’s lucrative hotel business, she’s desperate to find inspiration for her next big idea, something that challenges and excites her, something real.

Enter Julian Smoke, a failed tennis player making a dream run for the US Open.

The Wilde Card by Ashley R. King

Simone Warner is a mom, a perfectionist, and former CEO. She’s spent her life living up to the expectations of others—which is why she decides to have a one-night stand with a gorgeous tennis player eight years her junior. One wild night of reckless abandon, right?

Not exactly.