Open

Discover the turbulent journey of one of tennis's most celebrated athletes in Open, the stunning and candid autobiography of Andre Agassi. From his early years, Agassi was groomed to be a tennis prodigy, a journey marked by both triumph and torment. Starting from the tender age when he could barely stand, Agassi was pushed by his father to hit tennis balls, setting the stage for an inner conflict that would define much of his life.

As a seven-year-old in Las Vegas, Agassi recalls the intense pressure of practising endlessly under the watchful and often violent eye of his father. By the age of thirteen, he found himself sent away to a remote Florida tennis camp, feeling isolated and rebellious. This rebellion would soon make him an icon of the 1980s, with a unique style that promised to revolutionise tennis forever. Yet, despite his raw talent, Agassi's early professional career was fraught with struggles.

Agassi's narrative takes readers through his tumultuous teenage years, where he abandoned formal schooling and embraced a punk-rock aesthetic that would both captivate and shock the tennis world. His journey to becoming a professional by sixteen is marked by both remarkable victories and heartbreaking defeats. Through evocative prose, Agassi places you courtside, making you feel his despair as he loses match after match against the world's best and the confusion that follows as he begins to taste victory.

Witness the turning point in Agassi's career as he stuns the world by winning the 1992 Wimbledon, transforming overnight into both a media sensation and a beloved fan favourite. Agassi’s near-photographic memory provides detailed accounts of these pivotal moments, painting vivid portraits of his rivals and sharing unfiltered reflections on his private life. His relationships with Barbra Streisand and Brooke Shields are laid bare, offering a glimpse into the personal challenges that ran parallel to his public successes.

Agassi does not shy away from addressing the darker periods of his life, including the bouts of depression that threatened to derail his career and the mistakes that nearly cost him everything. He shares the profound impact of those who supported him – his loyal brother, wise coach, and gentle trainer – and how they helped him overcome his struggles to once again reach the summit of the sport, becoming the oldest player ever to be ranked number one in the world.

Finally, Agassi finds a personal resolution and love with fellow tennis legend Stefanie Graf, completing a life story filled with remarkable highs and devastating lows. Written with remarkable candour and introspection, Open is more than just a sports memoir; it’s a fascinating exploration of personal resilience and the relentless pursuit of one's destiny. With its gripping narrative and emotional honesty, Open promises to resonate with readers, whether they are die-hard tennis fans or completely new to the sport. Like Agassi’s game itself, the book sets new standards for grace, style, speed, and power.