Open

An Autobiography

By: Andre Agassi

Narrated by: Erik Davies

Length: 6 hrs and 28 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 thirteen, 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 sixteen, 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 twenty-first 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 U.S. 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 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

Amazing!!

One of the best biographies I’ve ever read. Incredibly written. The story is super inspiring!

The good 'ol days

This book brought me back to my youthful tennis days when Agassi and Sampras ruled. I only wish Agassi was the narrator.

Honest & Entertaining

Andre writes an amazingly honest & clear picture of himself. Funny, heart-breaking & without a sense of self. His recollections of matches, relationships & events in his life, are written in photographic detail. You can tell by the cover picture alone, that this a person who wants to tell their story, from the heart & not the ego.

Loved it

I listen to audible while training for ultra races. Every morning I looked forward to my 10+ mile run while listening to Agassi's wild ride through his professional tennis career. The narrator didn't seem to match the character represented and what I would expect from this story. I guess it was a little droll but not to the point of interfering with the story. Regardless, it a GREAT listen!

Awesome Book for Non Tennis Fans

Any additional comments?

This book is not for tennis lovers. Andre hates tennis, as many college players do. Tennis is the one sport more than any other that burns out more athletes than any other- which is sad because it's a lifetime sport. This novel is brilliantly sad but more so highly entertaining. So much about Andre that is absolutely fascinating. Tennis fan/player or not, this novel is amazing.

Went by too Fast!

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed the listen, and got through it in 3 days. I should have gone for the Unabridged version, as I would have liked to delve deeper -- Maybe I still will down the road. I recommend!!

Great abridged version of Agassi's story!

I enjoyed this book very much, because I had heard many good things about it and just wanted to learn more about Agassi. The unabridged version would have been too much for me! Great narration ans Story writing.

Interesting, although somewhat repetitive

The story is fine, but it becomes too long. Got fed up at about 3/4, because at a certain point it's just about game's results and tournament progressions. Nothing on the off court environment, business relationships, or behind the scenes events. Also, description of flirts with Stefi is somewhat infantile. Still, nice to learn how it costs to be a Tennis legend, how Agassi begun, his worries, dramas and joys. I became a bigger fan after hearing the book...

Very good

Well narrated and exceptional thoughtful book. Enjoyed it a lot. U don't have to be a tennis player to like it

Candid & Interesting

What did you love best about Open?

I was a moderate fan of Agassi but am now a real fan of the successes he had had off the court with his school, etc.

What did you like best about this story?

Good detail on his inner thoughts and exciting descriptions of important games.

What does Erik Davies bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Added drama and passion to descriptions of games.