Winning Ugly

by Brad Gilbert
Winning Ugly cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Sports Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 9848
  • Added: 2026-01-03
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • ISBN: 9780671884000
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 1994-05-31
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Brad Gilbert, known for his unconventional yet effective playing style, shares his insights on how to become a better thinking player in tennis. His book, Winning Ugly, provides practical advice on recognizing and capitalizing on key moments in a match, such as the seven 'Hidden Ad Points,' and strategies for handling different types of opponents. Gilbert's unconventional advice includes tips on serving, maintaining a lead, and dealing with gamesmanship, all aimed at helping you beat players who have been consistently defeating you. /n/n The book is not just about improving your strokes but about mastering the mental aspects of the game. Gilbert's strategies are designed to help you outthink your opponents before, during, and after a match, making you a more formidable player on the court. With tips that have been praised by Tennis magazine, Winning Ugly is an invaluable resource for recreational players looking to up their game.

Reviews
LitPick · SHC · 2026-01-24
informative 4.00

The book is easy to read and filled with information that can help any athlete, not just tennis players. It offers life lessons that extend beyond the sport.

SHC from LitPick finds 'Winning Ugly' to be an easy and informative read. They appreciate how the book's advice can be applied to various sports and even life in general. The reviewer highlights the practical information and life lessons that make the book a valuable resource. They also note that the book's relatable stories and mental strategies add depth to the reading experience.

Quick quotes

    I found this book very easy to read and filled with a lot of information that can help any athlete in their sport.

    In fact, there are some life lessons in this book.

    The initial results were mixed. It was hard to stop playing 'hitting big' tennis and start playing 'percentage' tennis.

Goodreads · 2026-01-03
practical 4.20

The book is filled with simple yet excellent advice for club players and tips from the pros that can make a difference in tournament matches. It's highly recommended for its practical and insightful content.

This Goodreads review highlights the book's simple yet excellent advice for club players, as well as tips from professional players that can make a significant difference in tournament matches. The reviewer finds the book highly practical and insightful, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their tennis game. The emphasis on mental warfare and smart play is particularly appreciated, with the reviewer noting that the book's advice is both relatable and effective. The overall sentiment is positive, with the reviewer recommending the book to a wide audience of tennis enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    Brad Gilbert's book contains simple but excellent advice for club players and tips from the pros that can make a difference in tournament matches.

    I found the book highly practical and insightful.

    The emphasis on mental warfare and smart play is particularly appreciated.

Reddit - r/10s · 2026-01-03
practical 4.00

The book is praised for its straightforward lesson: observe what happens on the court and adapt strategies accordingly. It's seen as a valuable resource for understanding the practical aspects of the game.

In this review, the focus is on how 'Winning Ugly' delivers a clear and impactful lesson: paying attention to what works and what doesn't on the court. The reviewer appreciates the book's practical approach, suggesting it's a great resource for anyone looking to understand the nuances of tennis strategy. The emphasis on observation and adaptation is highlighted as a key takeaway, making the book a valuable read for players at all levels. The reviewer finds the book's message both straightforward and insightful, particularly in the context of mental warfare in tennis.

Quick quotes

    Winning Ugly is really good because it hammers one lesson. Watch what happens on the court. Figure out what works and figure out what doesn't work.

    It's a valuable resource for understanding the practical aspects of the game.

    The emphasis on observation and adaptation is highlighted as a key takeaway.

Get Better at Tennis · 2023-06-27
insightful 4.50

The book emphasizes the importance of mental strategies and smart play, highlighting chapters on gaining an early edge, playing smart, and mind games. It's praised for its practical advice and engaging stories.

This review highlights how 'Winning Ugly' focuses on mental strategies and smart play in tennis. The reviewer particularly appreciates the chapters on gaining an early edge, playing smart, and mind games, finding them packed with practical advice. The book is also noted for its engaging stories and relatable anecdotes, making it a valuable read for anyone looking to improve their game. The reviewer suggests that the book's core message—victory often comes from strategy rather than perfect strokes—is brilliantly captured and well-articulated.

Quick quotes

    I think the three chapters in this book really are the early edge, playing smart and mind games.

    The "winning ugly" concept just means to not try to do everything perfectly and gracefully.

    Victory in tennis often comes not from beautiful strokes, but from smart strategies.

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