Andre Agassi, a native legend. No one could imagine how Andre felt about the game. No one could imagine what went through Andre’s mind during many games throughout his career. No one could imagine how Andre got to number one in the world, it was not his choice!
At the young age of seven, Andre’s father really started training Andre at a very intense level. Andre’s father came from a boxing background, where he fought professionally and boxed for the Iranian national boxing team. His boxing mentality carried over into his son’s training and there was no way to hold back.
To be the best, you must practice. Well, Andre sure has enough practice. His father’s theory was that if Andre hit about 3,000 balls per day, that would equal more than a million balls per year. He knew there were probably no other kids in the world who hit so many balls every day! His theory turned out to be correct, as he knew that Andre would one day become the best in the world, but Andre didn’t seem to mind that he was number 1. His father’s tough ways were extremely demanding and forced Andre to hate the game. .
You can never really know what goes through a player’s mind when he’s on the court. Andre analyzes all his thoughts and problems throughout the years of playing. He felt very lonely out there. He hated tennis and on many occasions would have preferred to lose rather than advance with a victory. His body would still do its best, but his mind wasn’t always there. In reality, his mind was more often elsewhere than on being the best and winning.
As a tennis fan, I appreciate Andre even more after reading his autobiography. I’ve always admired it, but you will really understand after reading this book. I highly recommend it!
