Book review of "Open" - by Andre Agassi

I just finished reading the book “Open”, the autobiography of former world number one tennis player Andre Agassi. The book provides a candid and open account of his personal life, struggles, and successes.

My overview of the book’s storyline:

Andre Agassi’s Tennis Career

• Andre Agassi was a successful tennis player in the 1990s and early 2000s.
• He was world number one for 30 weeks straight in 1995.
• The book highlights his reign as a top player before the era of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.

Openness about Personal Life

• The book is titled “Open” because it reflects both the open tournaments in tennis (e.g., Australian Open, French Open) and Andre Agassi’s openness about his personal life.
• He shares not only his success stories but also his failures, struggles, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities.
• This openness is uncommon among public figures.

Post-Retirement Life

• The autobiography is written at a time when Andre Agassi had just retired from professional tennis.
• It explores his transition to post-retirement life, including spending time with family and pursuing hobbies.
• Writing this autobiography shows that he is open to new avenues in life.

Critical Analysis

• The book begins with Andre Agassi’s preparation for the last match of his career at the US Open in 2006.
• He describes how he struggled physically due to age-related issues and a condition called spondylolisthesis.
• Throughout the book, he chronologically recounts his childhood, training under his father’s guidance, and becoming a professional tennis player.
• Despite being successful in tennis, Andre Agassi reveals that he had a bittersweet relationship with the game. He often hated it but was deeply invested due to it being his profession.
• The book delves into his personal problems, including depression, multiple marriages, and a positive drug test for crystal meth.
• It also highlights the importance of enduring relationships and finding solace in family life.

Life-lessons I personally learnt from the book:

Passion as a Driving Force

• Agassi’s recollection of his disciplined efforts made me remind of Mike Tyson’s quote about discipline: “Discipline is doing what you hate to do, but doing it like you love it.”
• Even if one hates their profession, having passion for it is crucial for excelling.

Overcoming Obstacles

• Andre Agassi’s journey: He faced health problems, bad habits, fragile relationships, and failures.
• Despite setbacks, he bounced back and fought until his last match.
• Fame and money can be unexciting without knowing how to channelize success.
• Confusion, uncertainty, and insecurity can lead to hating what one does.

Seeking Happiness Beyond Fame

• Andre Agassi found happiness in the love of his family and helping others.
• He decided not to force his children into tennis but promote education instead.
• He established an academy for underprivileged children in Las Vegas.

Role of Parents and Coaches

• Andre Agassi’s father played a significant role in pushing him towards tennis despite his initial dislike for the sport.
• Coach Gil Reyes served as a father figure and mentor who imparted valuable lessons beyond sports.

Childhood Challenges

• Andre Agassi had a lost childhood due to early professional involvement in tennis.
• He experienced an identity crisis and regretted missing out on certain childhood experiences.

Effects of Aging

• As athletes age, they undergo physical and emotional changes that impact their performance.
• Andre Agassi acknowledges the emergence of new talents like Nadal and Federer.

Importance of Fighting Spirit

• The book emphasizes the need to maintain a fighting spirit regardless of age or circumstances.
• Examples are athletes like Sachin Tendulkar, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant who continued performing at a high level until their last matches.

Process of Self-Discovery

• Andre Agassi reflects on his transformation from a young aspiring champion to a bald man.
• Changes occur not only physically but also emotionally and cognitively throughout one’s life.

Changing Priorities

• The book highlights how priorities shift as individuals grow older.
• It provides insights applicable to anyone pursuing any profession or career path.

Motivation and Fighting for Your Dreams

• Andre Agassi’s father pushed him to come first, not settle for second or third place.
• Achieving success requires hard work and determination.
• In short, the book taught me how to fight and achieve one’s dreams.

#KeepPushing #Open #Agassi

• Raman Butta