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)

Hold on. It gets better.

I spent the first several chapters of this book has in it. But hang on it gets better. Andre Agassi gives us a true view into growing up on a tennis court. And he does eventually grow up. This book was so good I am going to listen to it again. As a business owner I find biographies best for people provide me with insights I can’t always find in daily life or even in the best business books.

Absolutely Amazing!!!!

This book made me feel, happy, sad, excited, determined and so many other emotions. When listening to the audiobook on my way to work or home I would smile, laugh and cry. I heard about Andre Agassi a long time ago and never thought I would get to know him like this. He has such a kind heart and I feel like he also has a beautiful soul. He is inspiring. This is definitely one of my favorite books. I can’t recommend it enough!!!

Refreshingly honest.

This is very transparent autobiography, giving a very personal look into the life of an atypical athlete. I applaud Aggassi for his openness. This book was unexpected and intriguing. Well done.

A must read

I really loved this story, I highly recommend this story 😎 Andre is an inspiration.

My ❤️‍🔥is exploding for that Bad Boy!

Andre thank you for sharing the dark and light. It was beautiful. I enjoyed listening to this book. Laughing, crying and feeling now like I have true friends in Vegas.

Wonderful!!

Very well done and you don’t have to be a tennis player to enjoy it. I learned a little and laughed a little. Best book I’ve listened to in a long while. Narrator was very good also!

Great for car!

Loved listening ! Made long car trip go by in a flash! Recommend for all audiences.

An Incredibly Good Autobiography

An incredibly good autobiography giving insight into an elite athlete's mind and story. The details, the mindset, the accomplishments, and the obstacles all paint a great picture.

So worth it

Agassi was my childhood hero and I was honestly afraid of reading this book because I had heard about his low points and use of drugs. He comes out of this an even bigger hero of mine—must read!!!!

Inspiring!

Loved the book, the story and how it’s written.
Only pushback is the narrator imitating a woman’s voice.