Open: An Autobiography

Open: An Autobiography

The front cover of Open
Author	Andre Agassi
Language	English
Genre	Autobiography
Publisher	HarperCollins [1]
Publication date	November 9, 2009
Publication place	United States
Pages	404
ISBN	9780307388407
OCLC	1058108646

Open: An Autobiography is a memoir written by former professional tennis player Andre Agassi with J. R. Moehringer ^[2] , published on November 9, 2009.

In the book, the eight-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 ^[3] details his challenging childhood under the supervision of a demanding father and prolonged struggles with the physical and psychological tolls of professional tennis. ^[4]

Reception

Despite controversy surrounding Agassi's admission to using methamphetamine in 1997, ^{[5] [6]} the book reached No. 1 on the New York Times Best Seller list ^[7] and was met with critical acclaim. ^{[8] [9] [10]} Open "is not just a first-rate sports memoir but a genuine bildungsroman, darkly funny yet also anguished and soulful", Sam Tanenhaus wrote in the New York Times. ^[11]

The book was an inspiration for the 2024 film Challengers .^{[ citation needed ]}

Summary

The memoir explores Agassi's journey from a financially disadvantaged upbringing to becoming a successful tennis player. It details his relationship with his father, who was strict and demanding, and his often passive mother, as well as his intense training regimen, which he initially resented. The book describes his personal struggles; the effects of relationships, particularly with actress Brooke Shields and fellow tennis player Steffi Graf; and the transformative experience of fatherhood.

See also

• List of Grand Slam Men's Singles champions
• List of ATP number 1 ranked singles tennis players

References

1. "Open: An Autobiography, Kindle Edition" Amazon. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
2. "Agassi Basks in His Own Spotlight" by Janet Malin New York Times November 8, 2009. Retrieved December 11, 2009.
3. "Bio:Andre Agassi". Biography Channel. Archived from the original on January 31, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
4. "Open: An Autobiography, Description" Google Books. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
5. "Federer e Agassi "Scioccato e deluso"" (in Italian). Archived from the original on 2010-04-16. Retrieved 2020-08-27.
6. "Marat Safin tells Andre Agassi to relinquish titles after drug admission". The Guardian. London. November 10, 2009.
7. Schuessler, Jennifer (November 29, 2009). "Hardcover Nonfiction". The New York Times. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
8. "Jacket Copy". Los Angeles Times. November 20, 2009.
9. Simon Briggs (March 12, 2010). "Andre Agassi's 'Open' wins at the British Sports Book Awards. Pity about the gloopy speech". The Daily Telegraph . London. Archived from the original on February 2, 2011. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
10. Wilson, Paul (March 7, 2018). "The 30 Best Sports Books Ever Written". Esquire. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
11. "Andre Agassi's Hate of the Game" New York Times. Retrieved August 26, 2020.