Open

Discuss the impact of Mike Agassi’s influence on Andre’s early development as a tennis player and his subsequent relationship with the sport. Examine the revelations about Mike’s childhood in Tehran and whether they justify his behavior.

Analyze the role of rebellion in Agassi’s life. What did he rebel against and why? What were the unintentional consequences of this rebellion? Use textual evidence in addressing this topic.

Discuss the author’s behind-the-scenes portrayal of the professional tennis circuit. What insights does Agassi offer into the demands, pressures, and interpersonal rivalries of life on tour? Explore whether any of these revelations were a surprise in reading the memoir and why.

Evaluate the role of friendship and mentorship in Agassi’s life. How did his chosen family members, such as Perry, Brad Gilbert, and Gil Reyes, contribute to his mental well-being and professional success? Use textual evidence to examine the reason that these relationships were so crucial.

Analyze the impact of Agassi’s romantic relationships on his personal growth and professional career. Consider how he contrasts his marriages to Brooke Shields and Steffi Graf. How might Brooke’s perspective on their marriage differ? Use textual evidence and additional research to explore this topic.

Discuss the impact of Agassi’s rivalry with Pete Sampras. How did it shape Agassi’s game and career? Trace the author’s depiction of Sampras throughout the memoir and analyze his perception of his rival.

Agassi states that “[t]he same court on which you suffer your bloodiest defeat can become the scene of your sweetest triumph” (332). Evaluate how this assertion applies to both Agassi’s career and his personal life. What life lesson does the author ultimately convey in this statement?

Critics have applauded Open for elevating the sports memoir genre. Analyze the features of the book that subvert expectations, making it stand out from other books in the genre. Optionally, compare Agassi’s memoir to Spare by Prince Harry. To what extent is J. R. Moehringer’s influence evident in both texts?