Open

Autobiographies can be a hit or a miss, but Open by Andre Agassi is a new “classic” as it gives the reader a real look into the era of the “me”/“rebellious” generation which in many parts is fueled by how parenting plays a direct role into how a child grows up – becoming-self-absorbed by the actions of one’s parents.  The terrifying truth is that Agassi never really liked the life he was given by his father, starting at age 3, to play tennis!  It is an incredible challenge to have to live the life created singularly by your parents.  While Agassi’s other siblings were given the same exact path, having to play tennis, none hate the drive to be successful.  For Andre, the son of an Iranian parent – who made it as a boxer to the Olympics – there is only one life that he was born to live, that of a tennis player.  Agassi presents his life in a chronological sequence of events and matches starting from his youth facing the “dragon,” an elaborate machine that would shoot tennis balls at Andre at 100 mph to teach him how to return any serve sent his way, through his movement to tennis school (at age 9) in Florida, and finally through the era of growing up to become the number one player in the world.  The reader learns about his rebellious era – Mohawk haircuts, piercings, foul-mouth tantrums to judges on the court, and the temptation of drugs and alcohol.  There is also a very important side of Agassi that is very much worth learning about, his insecurities as a man and tennis player.  Agassi reflects deeply into why he continues, and what junctures of his career he takes specific choices to go in another direction.  Life is full of connections from the past, leading him to Brooke Shields and finally his second wife, Steffi Graf.  I am truly inspired by his dedication to “retool” himself physically by learning how to listen to his body and move to the next level of performance.  Agassi is a very loyal person who takes in his posse of trainers, coaches, and confidantes.  The story ends with his retirement from the game.  He accomplished so much on the court, but he is now dedicated to the school he has built in his home town of Vegas, The Agassi College Prep School; a tremendous opportunity to give back to those who need the support – through education – to change their direction.  Interesting to note how Agassi never had the education in his life, leaving school at age 14 to dedicate full-time to tennis, a game he is convinced he never loved.  But what he did do was respect the game, hence a multiple time Grand Slam Winner (plus an Olympic Gold – one of only four people to accomplish this feat – his wife Steffi is one of the others!).  Agassi, no matter whether you felt he was a punk or a self-absorbed teen, one thing is for sure, he has matured into what we hope all citizens will end up doing, giving back to those who have less.  This is a very motivating book that provides a glimpse into athletic excellence through dedication, perspiration, and intelligence.  The body can be trained to do extraordinary things, but through this book we also learn the mind can too!  Great read for those who watched Agassi grow into an athlete.