A Champion's Mind

A Champion's Mind is a fairly interesting book filled with bits and pieces of this champion's career. But in the end, you don't learn very much about Pete Samphras beyond what you probably already know or could have assumed.

He certainly provides some insight into his focus, his dedication, and his selfishness, which is evidently an important quality for a sports champion. He comes off pretty self absorbed, which is no surprise. He offers little information, beyond generalities, about how he got so good, other than to say he did little else but tennis in high school. He does call what he has, "the gift," but what exactly that is -- hand-eye coordination, focus, dedication, a combination -- he doesn't say. But, would he have been a great basketball player or baseball player, or was it something specifically about tennis that he was gifted to do? He doesn't help us understand this gift.

He offers little thanks to those who helped him along the way, and he provides a few rather strange details about his life on tour with his wife.

Not only did this book didn't live up to the title it just sucked!
Andre Agassi's book was outstanding!!!!

The focus on success and Samprass' disciplined mind (as opposed to those who throw tantrums). As some people say, surround yourself with greatness -- but if a great tennis player or other person (like Steve Jobs) cannot be in your circle of friends, pick his brain by reading his book.

Mark did a good job, I think, of reading the spirit of the words. Some readers don't seem to capture that.

Too much tennis for me, but I'm not a tennis player -- and tennis is what it's about. So I was not interested in some parts of it. But, still, a book worth a listen for the insights Samprass has into his greatness and the stories about his struggles and successes.