Open

An Autobiography

De: Andre Agassi

Narrado por: Erik Davies

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.

A Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Book of the Century

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 read and cherished for years. A treat for ardent fans, it will also captivate readers 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

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!

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.