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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Open summary
Andre Agassi
An Autobiography
20 mins
Brief summary
'Open' is a memoir by Andre Agassi, a former top-ranked tennis player. In the book, he reveals the highs and lows of his career and personal life, including his struggles with addiction and his complicated relationships with his family and other players.
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Open
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Andre Agassi’s childhood was difficult and dominated by an overbearing father who forced him to practice tennis.
Andre Agassi has been blasting back tennis balls for as long as he can remember. At the age of seven, Agassi faced off every day against a machine that his father had built in their backyard in Las Vegas, Nevada. Agassi called this contraption “the dragon.” It growled and bellowed smoke as it shot out tennis balls like a cannon. Agassi faced up to 2,500 balls a day as his father barked directions at him from behind: “Hit harder!” “Hit earlier!”
In these circumstances, it’s easy to understand why Agassi hated the dragon and the sport of tennis. But Agassi’s father wasn't just determined for his son to succeed. He was prone to violence as well. Agassi didn’t dare resist.
An image of his father’s aggression is still etched in Agassi’s mind. One day Agassi senior, in a fit of road rage, pulverized another driver with his fists and left him unconscious in the middle of the street. Would he die? Or would another car accidentally run over him? All this had happened simply because the other driver had honked his horn.
The pressure was palpable. His father's demands and expectations had a source. He himself had dreamed of becoming a famous tennis player. As a young child in Tehran, Agassi’s father had watched British and American soldiers playing the game. In fact, he’d even acted as a ball boy for them.
Sadly, there weren’t any other kids with whom he could play tennis, and Agassi’s father took up boxing instead. He even represented Iran in the 1948 and 1952 Olympics.
He never won a medal himself, but he was damned sure his son wouldn’t be short of them. He wanted his son to become the best in the world.
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What is Open about?
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.
Open Review
Open (2009) by Andre Agassi is an autobiography that takes readers on a gripping and revealing journey through the life of one of tennis' most controversial figures. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With candid honesty and vulnerability, Agassi shares his triumphs and struggles, providing a unique window into the world of professional sports.
- The book explores the psychological and emotional challenges Agassi faced throughout his career, offering valuable insights into the pressures of elite-level athletics.
- Through Agassi's personal growth and self-discovery, readers are inspired to reflect on their own lives and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Best quote from Open
My arm feels like its going to fall off. I want to ask, How much longer Pops? But I dont ask. I do as Im told.
—Andre Agassi
Who should read Open?
- Sports fans
- People raised by an overbearing parent
- Anyone looking for an inspirational life story
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Book summaries like Open
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Open FAQs
What is the main message of Open?
The main message of Open is about the unconventional journey of Andre Agassi and the importance of staying true to oneself.
How long does it take to read Open?
The reading time for Open may vary. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Open a good book? Is it worth reading?
Open is definitely worth reading. It provides a compelling perspective on Agassi's life and career, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read.
Who is the author of Open?
The author of Open is Andre Agassi.
What to read after Open?
If you're wondering what to read next after Open, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Longevity Imperative by Andrew J Scott
- Win Every Argument by Mehdi Hasan
- Brag Better by Meredith Fineman
- The Trading Game by Gary Stevenson
- Shift by Ethan Kross
- Emotional Ignorance by Dean Burnett