Weekend Guide: 05.21.2021
I hate tennis 🎾
Andre Agassi hates tennis. I didn’t count how many times the phrase “I hate tennis” appears in Open: An Autobiography. But it’s a lot. At first it’s hard to believe André. He’s won $31 million in prize money over his career. Made even more in endorsements. Won 6 Grand Slam titles. Married celebrities. Traveled the globe. Was it possible for him to really hate tennis?
Seems like it. Andre Agassi was always going to be a professional tennis player. World number one. His father wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a tale as old as time. Overbearing father pushing child to the brink. Living vicariously. Every waking moment. Conditioning. Hitting. Forehand. Backhand. Get to the net. All day I dream about tennis. 🎾 💭
Every stroke coming from a place of anger. Resentment and hatred. Andre Agassi almost couldn’t help becoming the greatest tennis player in the world. He’s been playing a tug of war his entire life. With himself.
“What am I going to do if I don’t succeed at Tennis”
He could never answer that fundamental question. So he just kept going. Winning, and losing, battling. He kept playing because it’s all he knew how to do. Sad really.
Under the pastel Nike outfits, platinum blonde mullet, and dangly earrings was a broken, meek little boy. A style icon for sure - but also a sad little dude. Who would have thought?
Truth be told, I have never been so gripped by an autobiography. Im not one to speak in hyperbole, so I hope my genuine excitement about this book comes through. If you are at all a fan of sports. You will dig this book. If you love playing tennis, watching tennis, or just wearing tennis shoes - you will surely be able to get lost in this one.
I would also recommend this one if you are a new parent. The Andre Agassi story is the perfect example of what NOT to do to your child.
If you don’t like/love sports. That’s OK! You may not like this book. But. I assure you this motherfucker has some stories!
See below:
Playing a tennis match with NFL Hall of Famer, Jim Brown for $10,000 as a 9 year old.
Not wanting to marry Brooke Shields - but marrying her anyway.
Breaking every Grand Slam trophy in a fit of rage after watching Brooke Shields lick Matt Leblanc’s hand during an episode of Friends.
Doing meth with his assistant, Slim, then washing and folding every piece of clothing in his house.
Losing the 1990 French Open final because he was scared his wig would fall off.
Falling asleep during a screening of The Prince of Tides at Barbara Streisand’s house.
… and that’s just scratching the surface. Read on brothers and sisters. Read on! I think you will enjoy.
Andre Agassi really hates tennis!
Thanks for checking this out. Again! I say this with peace and love - I am happy you are here. Next week I will be sharing more with you about my poetry collection - Sometime During Eternity.
I am excited to share some details.