Andre Agassi
Biography
Andre Kirk Agassi (born 1970) is an American former professional tennis player and former world No. 1. Widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, he turned professional at age 16 and revolutionized the sport with his powerful groundstrokes and flamboyant style. Over his illustrious career, he won eight Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal. After retiring from professional tennis in 2006, Agassi transitioned into philanthropy and education, establishing the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas. His candid autobiography, "Open," published in 2009, offered an unvarnished look into his life, struggles, and complex relationship with tennis, receiving widespread critical acclaim and becoming a bestseller.
Selected Thoughts
«A loss is nothing to be ashamed of, unless you make it a final act, a final say. Then, it's a surrender.»
«I play tennis for a living even though I hate tennis, hate it with a dark and secret passion, and always have.»
«The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.»
Writing Style
The writing style of "Open," primarily attributed to ghostwriter J.R. Moehringer, is characterized by its raw honesty, introspective depth, and conversational tone. It's highly engaging, often self-deprecating, and provides a vivid, visceral account of the pressures and psychological toll of elite professional sports, combined with moments of humor and profound personal reflection.