Andre Agassi Books

#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Far more than a superb memoir about the highest levels of professional tennis, Open is the engrossing story of a remarkable life. • "Agassi’s memoir is just as entrancing as his tennis game.” —Time “Honest in a way that such books seldom are.” —The New York Times Andre Agassi had his life mapped out for him before he left the crib. Groomed to be a tennis champion by his moody and demanding father, by the age of twenty-two Agassi had won the first of his eight grand slams and achieved wealth, celebrity, and the game’s highest honors. But as he reveals in this searching autobiography, off the court he was often unhappy and confused, unfulfilled by his great achievements in a sport he had come to resent. Agassi writes candidly about his early success and his uncomfortable relationship with fame, his marriage to Brooke Shields, his growing interest in philanthropy, and—described in haunting, point-by-point detail—the highs and lows of his celebrated career.

This updated biography of Andre Agassi explores the complexities behind his famous quote, "Image is everything." Despite his flamboyant style—complete with designer stubble, a distinctive hairstyle, and eye-catching outfits—the Las Vegas native was initially perceived as a loser. This changed dramatically when he became Wimbledon Champion in 1992, transforming public perception. From a young age, Agassi showed immense talent; he was using a table-tennis bat to hit balloons as a baby, practicing with tennis legends by age four, and winning tournaments by age seven, all while navigating a challenging family dynamic with a father who was a former Olympic boxer. As a teenager, Agassi rebelled against convention, dropping out of school at 13 and engaging in risky behaviors like drinking and smoking. His on-court demeanor was equally controversial, marked by cursing and racket-smashing as he resisted the strict discipline of Nick Bollettieri's Tennis Academy. Turning professional at 16, he quickly rose to prominence, reaching the world’s third rank by 18, while facing accusations of gamesmanship from peers. To maintain distance from outsiders, he surrounded himself with a close-knit entourage, including his brother and trainer. Despite earning millions without a major title, Agassi's fortunes changed when he defeated Goran Ivanisevic to claim the Wimbledon men's singles title in just his 13th grass court match.

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