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Narrator Rating (27)

Open: An Autobiography

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Erik Davies

18 Hours 5 Minutes

Random House (Audio)

November 2009

Audio Book 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 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.

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Reviews

  • Jo B.

    Great book, very insightful, well written. The only drawback was the narrator’s extremely annoying habit of voicing the females in the book with incredibly feeble and unrealistic voices. Why?? Stephanie Agassi does not deserve a voice that sounds like a confused five year old in a Japanese cartoon translated to English

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  • Teen S.

    It was a lot better than the book Pete Sampras created as Andre is more relatable and so wholesome

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  • Jeff L.

    Excellent book. Will make a great movie one day. I had no idea how Agassi felt about tennis.

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  • Anonymous

    Fantastic book! Really showed me how the world of Tennis is and who Andre Agassi is! You will begin to see how almost self destructive he is, but yet a very kind soul! This is one of the best Autobiographies I have listened to.

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  • Tina D.

    I enjoyed his story a great deal. I always wonder what these “greats” have to go through to become THEM!! He and his wife are true work horses. My only issue with the story, was his portrayal of Brooke. Sometimes, you’re in a bad space when you write something. Best to hold on to it for a bit then resubmit. His portrayal of her seemed quite negative and almost demeaning…however, maybe she was like this. Idk. It just seems like he wouldn’t be with someone so awful and shallow. Then his portrayal of his current wife is of perfection! Lol. I mean YEA…he better do that!!! Hahahahaha great book though.

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  • Anonymous

    The book was highly interesting. If you are a tennis fan, this is a recommended read. But I believe Agassi could have been just as effective and informative in less than 18 hours audio or 400 pages written. But I credit Agassi for his candor. The narrator is excellent.

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  • Anonymous

    did a 9th grade drop out write this book!! Andre is smarter than he looks,,, after all with no coaching during the match he fought through the strategy.. well written, an inspiring story, thanks andre

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  • Cory W.

    Very raw and honest..so interesting to hear events I remember described from his point of view. I googled him and caught up with what he is up to 2018. It was so nice to see him still gushing over Stephanie Graf. Gave me a hole new perspective on him over the Rebel image feed to me in the 90’s I was indifferent on him before but now I am a very big fan. Great listen.

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  • siobhain crowley

    Listened to this on a very long road trip! Fantastic book! knew very little about andre and enjoyed the book immensely.

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  • Ilya Yunanov

    Fabulous, I've never had such a joy an excitement from an audiobook. Andre Agassi is my hero!

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