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  • Open

  • An Autobiography
  • Written by: Andre Agassi
  • Narrated by: Erik Davies
  • Length: 18 hrs and 4 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (375 ratings)

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Open

Written by: Andre Agassi
Narrated by: Erik Davies
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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

What the critics say

“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)

What listeners say about Open

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Opens your heart, touches your soul

Note: I listened to the Audiobook version of the book for this review, but I had previously read this book upon its initial release.

I cannot imagine how hard it must be to live your life in the spotlight, in the limelight, to be the center of attention on an international scale. It could be argued that Andre Agassi was the first bonafide and marketable tennis poster boy, securing millions in off-court sponsorship deals well before he ever won a Grand Slam title. After all, remember the slogan for his Canon Rebel camera commercials? Image is everything. And indeed it certainly appeared to be for this naturally gifted athlete who became a tennis stadium entertainer.

But that’s what we saw, what was projected. With his autobiography Open, Andre Agassi was promising to bring us behind the bright Vegas lights of his upbringing, beyond the denim acid washed tennis shorts and bright neon colors he wore, and behind the scenes of his long storied tennis career from teen punk to elder statesman, with a promise to reveal his deepest, darkest secrets.

Talk about hype and great expectations. And Andre Agassi delivered the goods, and then some. Open offers a rare, very raw look at not only how he came to be the player we saw, but more importantly and surprisingly, how he felt all along that journey. Open might be the most honest and revealing sports autobiography ever. One thing is for sure, it forever changes how you will see and think of Andre Agassi. It opens your eyes, and your heart, and teaches you a very valuable life lesson: image isn’t everything, and you definitely cannot judge a book by its cover.

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Love it!

I didn’t know what to expect -I’m not a tennis person at all-but I really enjoyed this book. It was well told, relatable and compelling. I was rooting for him throughout.

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OUTSTANDING!!!

Plowed through this in 3 days I was hooked immediately!!!! I always loved this guy and now even more!

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Great book

I really enjoyed the story. l am not a tennis player, but could relate to some life lessons from the book. Thanks, Andrei.

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Great narration and such an interesting life story

Agassi has had anything but a conventional life, and I found his story fascinating. While difficult to relate to in some ways (how can someone so good at a sport--who earns an amazing living off of the sport!--hate it??), he comes across as deeply human, and the love and appreciation he has for his wife is truly touching. I would definitely recommend this listen, even for people who are not sports fans. #Audible1

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Wow

This is the best audiobook I’ve listened to! Loved every minute of it… even though it was 18 hours long, I didn’t want it to end!

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Inspiring and insightful

Engaging throughout, this book will give you an appreciation for the life Andre Agassi has lived. 10/10

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Absolutely phenomenal

Great medley between a fierce competitive athlete and a shakespearean, romantic at heart. Love this book.!!

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Incredible book!

This is my first audio book and I recommend it to everyone.
I never have time to read since I'm mostly working on the road.
I could drive for weeks to listen to this intense stories of Agassi!

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Engaging Character

Open is an engaging story of a teenage tennis prodigy who truly lived a life in the spotlight, growing up in print and media. Funny and sad at times, Agassi talks about his battles with confidence and mental health. Throughly enjoyable story. Narrator sounded like a robot at times and took a little away from the story at times. Overall, an excellent story!

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