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)

Best sports biography ever

What did you love best about Open?

Agassi told stories that you wanted to hear about.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Agassi was very open about his personal issues and how he handled the spot light. I see him as a genuine person now and not a flashy tennis star.

Any additional comments?

This book is a great listen and I am not a big tennis fan.

Even better than expected

My best friend, who is a very avid reader, has always said this is one of his favorite books. Now I know why. Extremely honest and real. Being a tennis fan/player, as I am, made it even better (but a great read regardless).

Shockingly Open and Real

Any additional comments?

I love a good autobiography and this one certainly delivered. The level of detail that Audre shared about every aspect of his life is what made this book so good. I didn't want to turn it off. He shares everything from tennis, family, marriage, divorce and more. The writing style I found was really enjoyable to listen to. He was so detailed in describing his feelings that I really did feel like I knew him after listening to this book. My only disappointment is that he did not narrate the audio book himself.

The Gold Standard of Autobiographies

What made the experience of listening to Open the most enjoyable?

It was just so real and personal. Andre did not hold back anything. Every feeling, thought, and action was included in the book no matter how good or bad it made him seem. I connected with him on a human level and by the end felt like I knew him as well as I know my closest friends.

What other book might you compare Open to and why?

"A Life in Parts" by Bryan Cranston. Both books revealed the human being behind the professional front that they put forward.

Which character – as performed by Erik Davies – was your favorite?

Obviously, it would be Andre Agassi himself. I could actually picture Andre saying it exactly as it was read.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The chapters about Andre's drug use and hitting rock bottom as a result.

Any additional comments?

I found Andre's life interesting from start to finish and never felt like the book was dragging on. As pessimistic as it sounds, not everyone's life is interesting enough to have an autobiography even if they are famous. I felt like Andre's life was a great subject for a book and found his autobiography to be one I compare every other autobiography to.

Outstanding

Knew of Andre Agassi love the story from childhood to a blissful parenthood. Proud of his accomplishments. Andre was a true friend there was nothing he would not do. Great book!

Didn’t want it to end

Very much enjoyed learning about Agassi’s career and journey. It was motivating to listen to while running. At a loss for what to listen to next now that it’s over.

A Must Read

Not your ordinary sports biography. One of the best books I have ever read. It was refreshing that an athlete lets us in his thoughts, fears, frustrations, and ultimately his triumphs. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. You will love it!!!

Very interesting and revealing

It’s long, but by the end I wanted more. Very in depth of family and friends.

Great

this book is awesome. I loved the story of the human struggle and the hero's journey

Incredibly moving

This book is so powerful and motivating. One of the best autobiographies out there next to Shoe Dog.