(August 31, 2026) NEW YORK, N.Y. – New Chapter Press announced the publication of the autobiography of International Hall of Fame inductee Charlie Pasarell titled “Serving First: Dreams Realized and Lessons Learned from Family, Friends, and a Life in Tennis.”
Written with the prominent tennis historian Joel Drucker, “Serving First” tells the first-hand story of Pasarell and his incredible and fulfilling life in tennis that began on the sunlit courts of Puerto Rico and carried him all the way to tennis’s grandest stages.
Along the way, Pasarell played record-setting matches, led history-making protests, and became part of the game’ s most defining stories. He shares a deeply human collection of stories about the people who shaped him— including his tennis-champion parents; lifelong friends such as Arthur Ashe; and legends like Pancho Gonzalez, who mentored Pasarell and later faced him in a five-hour Wimbledon epic that remains one of the greatest matches in tennis history.
The 1967 U.S. No. 1, a five-time U.S. Davis Cup team member and an NCAA singles and doubles champion, Pasarell also co-founded the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the National Junior Tennis League (NJTL), and built the tennis tournament in Indian Wells into an event informally considered tennis’ fifth major.
A Life of Love & Meaning
But this memoir is about far more than statistics or titles. It’ s a story of character, purpose, and moments that leave a mark— from traveling to Vietnam during the war to time spent with Robert F. Kennedy. Woven throughout are the words of wisdom from Pasarell’s family and a great many lessons from a life grounded in love— for family, friendship, and the game that gave it all meaning.
“I’m very happy to have had the chance in this book to celebrate so many family members and friends who have all been part of a journey filled with exciting adventures,” said Pasarell. “From Puerto Rico to UCLA to the growth of tennis in the Open era in the revolutionary ‘60s and into the 21st century, I’m happy to have been a part of it so long and loved revisiting all of these incredible moments and wonderful people.”
Said Drucker, “I’ve interviewed tennis Hall of Famers going back nearly 100 years. But when it comes to generosity, vision, and compassion, Hall of Famer Charlie Pasarell is in a league of his own. What a great experience it’s been helping Charlie tell his epic story.”
“Serving First” is a hardcover book that retails for $34.95 and is for sale and download as an ebook on Amazon.com here https://a.co/d/07OVWW74 and is also available by order wherever books are sold.
Deep Friendship with the Iconic Arthur Ashe
One of the most compelling chapters in the book is simply called “Arthur” – a thoughtful exploration of Pasarell’s lifelong friendship that began when the two played one another as teenagers, grew deeper as teammates at UCLA and continued for decades. This chapter offers a deep dive into Pasarell’s emotions amid Ashe’s various health challenges and tragic death at the age of 49.
“Charlie and Arthur had a pure friendship, based on trust and love,” said Jeanne Ashe, Arthur’s widow in her endorsement of the book. “Charlie was always there for Arthur – and also there for me and Camera. The Pasarell family and the Ashe family are everlasting. Charlie’s heart is the spark that brings this great tale to life.”
Endorsements from Hall of Famers Billie Jean King, Stan Smith, Donald Dell
Billie Jean King, the sports icon and equality champion and a contemporary of Pasarell also supported the book. “Charlie Pasarell is a central figure in tennis history and a leader of the transitional generation who took tennis from amateur to professional,” said King. “He, and the other women and men from his era, paved the way for today’s superstars in tennis and beyond. He has a great story to tell and a special way to tell it.”
Said former Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion Stan Smith, “From our early years as college rivals, to decades traveling the world as Davis Cup teammates, touring pros, and business partners, I’ve always savored my time with Charlie Pasarell. He’s classy, compelling, and I’m certain you’ll enjoy taking in his incredible journey.”
Another fascinating part of the book tells the story of Pasarell, fellow pro Fred McNair, and close friend-agent Donald Dell meeting with Ashe the evening before the 1975 Wimbledon final to develop the strategy that resulted in one of the greatest upsets in tennis history, Ashe beating defending champion Jimmy Connors.
“Charlie Pasarell has been one of my closest friends for more than 60 years,” said Dell in his endorsement. “Whether in Davis Cup or business, on the tennis court, in the boardroom, or over a great meal, Charlie’s someone you always want to have in your corner. Take in this captivating story from a man of exceptional vision, generosity, and wisdom.”
