Open

by Andre Agassi

Electronic resource

English language

Published Jan. 9, 2009 by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

(13 reviews)

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 …

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 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.

5 editions

Ed reviewed Open by Andre Agassi

Inside the mind of a tennis pro

5 stars

This book spends a lot of time in Agassi's head, illustrating how much of his game was mental as well as gruellingly physical. It's a very easy read, spending a decent chunk of time on the court in a interesting way.

Like all autobios it starts to taper off at the end. But doesnt outstay its welcome pretty much finishing off at the end of his career with a final chapter for afterwards.

He makes a point to state that is was a collaboration with a writer, structuring the book and the content based off their meetings, which means the book is highly polished. Its a good read even for someone who isnt into tennis (Im certainly not) and might be less interesting for people who don't remember the Agassi / Sampras Nike tennis ad, but was still a good read for putting you in his shoes on and off …

Like all autobios it starts to taper off at the end. But doesnt outstay its welcome pretty much finishing off at the end of his career with a final chapter for afterwards.

georgewhatup reviewed Open: an autobiography by Andre Agassi

Review of 'Open' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

After seeing how well J. R. Moehringer put together a story in Shoe Dog I was keen to see how he'd write for someone who was open and honest about every part of themselves. The result is beautiful.

This is entertaining, thrilling, and unexpectedly sweet. Autobiographies can't get much better than this.

I'll be watching the next Grand Slam with a level of appreciation and engagement I've never had before.

Daniele (He/Him) reviewed Open: La mia storia by Andre Agassi

Interessante anche per chi non segue il tennis

5 stars

Non credevo che l'autobiografia di uno sportivo che conoscevo vagamente solo di nome, campione di uno sport che non ho mai seguito, potesse prendermi più di tanto. Non avrei mai comprato un libro come questo, l'ho letto perché me l'hanno regalato. E l'ho adorato dalla prima all'ultima pagina. Open non parla solo di tennis e non è un semplice autoincensamento per le proprie vittorie. È un racconto della vita di un uomo con tutte le sue difficoltà e debolezze, della sua ascesa, caduta e risalita tra i migliori, delle sue vittorie e delle sue sconfitte, dentro e fuori dal campo. Merita di essere letto anche se, come il sottoscritto, non si è appassionati di tennis.