What will I learn about: how a grueling childhood, dominated by an overbearing father and a relentless tennis machine, instilled in Andre Agassi a deep-seated hatred for the sport he dominated?

Discover how a grueling childhood, dominated by an overbearing father and a relentless tennis machine, instilled in Andre Agassi a deep-seated hatred for the sport he dominated.

What will I learn about: Learn why Agassi's flamboyant, rebellious image—complete with a pink mohawk and denim shorts—was actually a desperate response to an oppressive, army-like tennis academy?

Learn why Agassi's flamboyant, rebellious image—complete with a pink mohawk and denim shorts—was actually a desperate response to an oppressive, army-like tennis academy.

What will I learn about: the profound internal conflict of a champion who achieved massive professional success while secretly longing for a life filled with art, poetry, and personal identity?

Understand the profound internal conflict of a champion who achieved massive professional success while secretly longing for a life filled with art, poetry, and personal identity.

What will I learn about: how building the right support system, including his trainer Gil Reyes, provided Agassi with the unconditional fatherly mentorship and physical stamina he desperately needed?

Find out how building the right support system, including his trainer Gil Reyes, provided Agassi with the unconditional fatherly mentorship and physical stamina he desperately needed.

What will I learn about: Explore how spiritual guidance helped Agassi unpack the trauma of his demanding upbringing, teaching him to accept his imperfections and make peace with his inner contradictions?

Explore how spiritual guidance helped Agassi unpack the trauma of his demanding upbringing, teaching him to accept his imperfections and make peace with his inner contradictions.

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Open

An Autobiography

Andre Agassi

★ 4.6 / 5(75 ratings)

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Biography & Memoir

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡Did you know that one of the most successful tennis players of all time spent the majority of his career secretly hating the very sport he was forced to master?
💡Have you ever wondered how a childhood defined by an overbearing parent and relentless pressure can shape—or break—a person’s sense of identity?
💡What’s the secret to reclaiming your true self when your entire public image is built on a facade you were forced to maintain since you were a teenager?

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Key Takeaways from Open

✓Discover how a grueling childhood, dominated by an overbearing father and a relentless tennis machine, instilled in Andre Agassi a deep-seated hatred for the sport he dominated.
✓Learn why Agassi's flamboyant, rebellious image—complete with a pink mohawk and denim shorts—was actually a desperate response to an oppressive, army-like tennis academy.
✓Understand the profound internal conflict of a champion who achieved massive professional success while secretly longing for a life filled with art, poetry, and personal identity.
✓Find out how building the right support system, including his trainer Gil Reyes, provided Agassi with the unconditional fatherly mentorship and physical stamina he desperately needed.
✓Explore how spiritual guidance helped Agassi unpack the trauma of his demanding upbringing, teaching him to accept his imperfections and make peace with his inner contradictions.

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from Open

Mind Map

Open

Oppressive Childhood+

Rebellion & The Academy+

Identity Crisis & Image+

Building a Support System+

Relationships & Rock Bottom+

Purpose & Redemption+

Late Career & Legacy+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 9

What is the central paradox of Andre Agassi's early life and career as described in the book?

A. He was a natural talent who refused to practice despite his father's encouragement.
B. He achieved immense success and fame in a sport he fundamentally hated.
C. He wanted to become a professional boxer like his father but was forced into tennis.
D. He craved media attention but lacked the physical skills to win Grand Slams.

Question 2 of 9

What was 'the dragon' in Agassi's childhood?

A. A nickname for his overly aggressive and demanding father.
B. An older, abusive player at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis School.
C. A modified ball machine that shot up to 2,500 tennis balls a day at him.
D. His internal struggle with anger management on the tennis court.

Question 3 of 9

Why did the media and other players, like Ivan Lendl, initially criticize Agassi?

A. They believed he was all style and no substance, focusing too much on his flamboyant image.
B. They thought he played too defensively and refused to take risks during major tournaments.
C. They were jealous of his early Grand Slam victories at the age of 16.
D. They felt he was overly disciplined, lacking the personality to be a true sports star.

Question 4 of 9

How did Gil Reyes and J.P. (John Parenti) significantly impact Agassi's life and career?

A. They taught him how to manipulate the media to improve his public image.
B. They provided the physical conditioning and spiritual understanding he needed to overcome his insecurities.
C. They convinced him to quit tennis temporarily to pursue his passion for poetry.
D. They helped him reconcile with his father and accept his father's harsh coaching methods.

Question 5 of 9

What major insecurity did Brooke Shields help Agassi overcome during their relationship?

A. His fear of playing on grass courts at Wimbledon.
B. His deep embarrassment about his lack of a formal education.
C. His anxiety over going bald and wearing a hairpiece.
D. His stage fright when speaking to the press after losing a match.

Question 6 of 9

What gave Agassi a renewed sense of purpose and helped him recover from his rock-bottom period of drug use and a failing marriage?

A. Signing a highly lucrative sponsorship deal with Nike.
B. Founding a preparatory academy for at-risk children in Las Vegas.
C. Winning his first Wimbledon title against all odds.
D. Firing his trainer Gil Reyes and hiring Nick Bollettieri.

Question 7 of 9

Why did Agassi find a 'perfect match' in Steffi Graf compared to his previous relationship with Brooke Shields?

A. She was the only person who could consistently beat him on the practice court.
B. She helped him design his charter school and personally funded its construction.
C. She understood the turmoil of being forced into tennis by a demanding father.
D. She encouraged him to retire early and enjoy his wealth away from the media.

Question 8 of 9

What was the primary difference between Nick Bollettieri and Brad Gilbert as coaches for Agassi?

A. Bollettieri focused heavily on mental strategy, while Gilbert focused strictly on physical stamina.
B. Bollettieri failed to prepare Agassi mentally, whereas Gilbert taught him to play smarter and manage his motivation.
C. Bollettieri encouraged Agassi's rebellious fashion, while Gilbert forced him to wear traditional white tennis gear.
D. Bollettieri wanted Agassi to play defensively, while Gilbert pushed him to rely solely on his forehand.

Question 9 of 9

How did Agassi view his personal growth at the end of his career, when a reporter noted his massive 'transformation'?

A. He agreed that he had finally become the perfect, finished product his father envisioned.
B. He felt he had completely erased his rebellious past and become a totally different person.
C. He corrected the reporter, stating that he was not a finished product but still in a constant state of progress.
D. He claimed his transformation was purely physical, thanks entirely to his trainer Gil Reyes.

Open — Full Chapter Overview

1Recommendation
2Andre Agassi’s childhood was harsh, ruled by a domineering father who compelled relentless tennis practice every day.
3Agassi’s pro career started after a defiant stretch at a harsh tennis academy.
4Agassi grappled with his public image and his own feelings toward tennis.
5Agassi remains deeply grateful to trainer Gil Reyes and his lifelong spiritual advisor, J.P.
6Wimbledon triumph earned Agassi fresh respect; with Brad Gilbert, he found the ideal coach.
7His relationship with Brooke Shields became a troubled marriage, yet far more was amiss, too.
8Founding a school made Agassi’s life and career more fulfilling.
9Agassi ultimately found his perfect match in Steffi Graf, and he staged a brilliant comeback.
10Agassi’s final years in tennis were among his most rewarding, with his family beside him through it all.

Open Summary & Overview

Open (2009) is a revealing account of the turbulent life of one of America’s all-time best tennis players. More than anything else, it’s a story of Agassi’s battle for balance and self-understanding, all while dealing with the constant stream of complications that arose from fame and public scrutiny.

Who Should Listen to Open?

Sports fans
People raised by an overbearing parent
Anyone looking for an inspirational life story

About the Author: Andre Agassi

Andre Agassi retired from tennis in 2006. During his career, he was ranked world number one and won eight Grand Slam titles. He is one of few tennis players to achieve a Career Golden Slam, the feat of winning every Grand Slam tournament, as well as a gold medal in the Olympics. He now devotes his time to the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, which improves the lives of at-risk children in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada.