The following synopsis is from
www.borders.com.au
Open: An Autobiography
Coaxed to swing his racket while still in the crib, forced to hit 100′s of balls a day while still in grade school, Andre Agassi resented the constant pressure even as he drove himself to become a tennis prodigy, an inner conflict that would define him. Now, in his beautiful, haunting autobiography, Agassi tells the story of a life framed by conflicts. Agassi makes us feel his panic as an undersized seven year old in Las Vegas, practicing all day under the obsessive gaze of his violent father. We see him at 13, banished to a Florida tennis camp. Lonely, scared, a ninth grade dropout, he rebels in ways that will soon make him a 1980′s icon. By the time he turns pro at 16, his new look promises to change tennis forever, as does his lightning fast return. Yet, despite his raw talent, he struggles early on. We feel his confusion as he loses to the world’s best, his greater confusion as he starts to win. After stumbling in his first three Grand Slam finals, Agassi shocks the world, and himself, by capturing the 1992 Wimbledon Title. Overnight he becomes a fan favorite and a media target. Agassi brings a near photographic memory to every pivotal match, and every public relationship. Along side vivid portraits of rivals, Agassi gives unstinting accounts of his brief time with Barbra Streisand, and his doomed marriage to Brooke Shields. He reveals the depression that shattered his confidence, and the mistake that nearly costs him everything. Finally, he recounts his spectacular resurrection, and his march to become the oldest man ever ranked number one. Agassi evokes his loyal brother, his wise coach, his gentle trainer, the people who help him regain his balance and find love at last with Stefanie Graf. With its breakneck tempo and raw candor, Open, will be read and cherished for years. A treat for tennis fans, it will also captivate readers who know nothing about the game. Like Andre Agassi’s game, it sets a new standard for grace, style, speed and power.
Chris’ Review
At first I wasn’t sure what to make of this book after the media reports that he reveal he hated tennis and took drugs. But I was intrigued to learn more about one of the first tennis players I followed as a youngster.
Only pages into the book when you read about his childhood (or lack of it) with his father who told Andre he would be #1 and coached him in his early years before shipping him off to a tennis academy. There, he rebelled and pushed the limits as he was the best and discovered he could get special treatment.
During his career, Andre was able to build a supportive team around him that got him through the tough times where his mental battles made him his own worst enemy. It was just as well, as who knows what else would have become of him otherwise.
He was written off time and time again by the media. It was in his final years on the court where he played his best tennis as he got it all together.
It was interesting to see how he chased Stephanie Graf from early on and how eventually he was able win his girl over.
For me, Open, was another example about learning about how someone becomes who they are. I don’t like the fact he took recreational drugs for a short period but I certainly understand why and I admire him for coming out the other end stronger. Andre Agassi found his calling when he discovered he could use his fame to help other kids become educated and set up his own academy.
