Open

An Autobiography

By: Andre Agassi

Narrated by: Erik Davies

Length: 18 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

From Andre Agassi, one of the most beloved athletes in history and one of the most gifted men ever to step onto a tennis court, a beautiful, haunting autobiography.

Agassi’s incredibly rigorous training begins when he is just a child. By the age of 13, he is banished to a Florida tennis camp that feels like a prison camp. Lonely, scared, a ninth-grade dropout, he rebels in ways that will soon make him a 1980s icon. He dyes his hair, pierces his ears, dresses like a punk rocker. By the time he turns pro at 16, his new look promises to change tennis forever, as does his lightning-fast return. And 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 three Grand Slam finals, Agassi shocks the world, and himself, by capturing the 1992 Wimbledon. Overnight he becomes a fan favorite and a media target.

Agassi brings a near-photographic memory to every pivotal match and every relationship. Never before has the inner game of tennis and the outer game of fame been so precisely limned. Alongside vivid portraits of rivals from several generations - Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer - Agassi gives unstinting accounts of his brief time with Barbra Streisand and his doomed marriage to Brooke Shields. He reveals a shattering loss of confidence. And he recounts his spectacular resurrection, a comeback climaxing with his epic run at the 1999 French Open and his march to become the oldest man ever ranked number one.

In clear, taut prose, Agassi evokes his loyal brother, his wise coach, his gentle trainer, all the people who help him regain his balance and find love at last with Stefanie Graf. Inspired by her quiet strength, he fights through crippling pain from a deteriorating spine to remain a dangerous opponent in the 21st and final year of his career. Entering his last tournament in 2006, he’s hailed for completing a stunning metamorphosis, from nonconformist to elder statesman, from dropout to education advocate. And still he’s not done. At a US Open for the ages, he makes a courageous last stand, then delivers one of the most stirring farewells ever heard in a sporting arena.

With its breakneck tempo and raw candor, Open will be listened to and cherished for years. A treat for ardent fans, it will also captivate listeners who know nothing about tennis. Like Agassi’s game, it sets a new standard for grace, style, speed, and power.

©2009 Andre Agassi (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

“Insightful [and] exceedingly well-written . . . [Open] has the cadence and plotting of a good novel . . . The raw energy and emotion throughout are pure Agassi.” (Newsday, Top 10 Books of 2009)

“Surprisingly candid . . . The baseline bad boy serves up his harrowing anecdotes with the same force he put behind every on-court ace.” (Entertainment Weekly 10 Best Nonfiction Books of 2009)

“Bracingly devoid of triumphalist homily, Agassi’s is one of the most passionately anti-sports books ever written by a superstar athlete.” (The New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2009)

Very interesting and informative.

Agassi is candid and interesting. I wanted to learn what it is like to be a top flight tennis player, especially the psychological aspects of the sport -- what players think about and how that affects their performance. That's all here in great detail. I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed listening. The narrator is really good too.

Addictive

A beautiful life story, full of contradictions. After listening it, you would love Agassi more than you've ever expected.

Great Story

Any additional comments?

This is one of the best biographies I've read. I'm a big Andre Agassi fan for his tennis game, and you learn so much about Andre as a person through this book. It's very well-written and exciting, and even though it's a very long book, I was captivated thorughout the entire 18 hours of listening.

best sports book ever

the stories in this book are super entertaining. worth the price of admission however the insights of a top athlete in competition are really engaging and make this book a compelling listen. there were times I took the long way home to have more listening time.

The Best!

By far the best autobiography I have listened to, even if your not a tennis fan.

Riveting

I cannot stop listening to this book. It was unbelievable. I highly recommend reading it/listening to it. Well done and what an amazing life.

Incredible book!

I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed a book so much! So interesting. Well written. I found my self many times laughing out loud. What a journey! Loved it!! The reader is amazing too!

Read by

Any additional comments?

I prefer books that are read by the author it's the only down to this book, however Erik did a great job narrating the book.

Open is just inspiring

In this book Andre Agassi is not a sports star, he is just a real human being. He is profound, humble and believable. The story is full of life lessons that have put me in front of my own mirror and have inspired me to "try harder". Congratulations Andre, I wish you and your family the best for the rest of your lives

One of the Best Autobiographies I've Read

This book was fascinating from beginning to end. I felt Agassi was more honest than most people who tell their story. He gives a revealing interesting look into his life. The narration on this book was also top notch.