I have just finished reading “Open” by Andre Agassi. This book has been one of the most inspiring experiences I’ve had as both a student and an athlete. Coming from Spain, where sports like tennis and soccer are part of everyday life, I thought I already understood what dedication and discipline meant. But Agassi’s story made me see these ideas in a completely different way. His honesty about the pressure, the pain and even his hatred for tennis at times surprised me. It reminded me that behind every great and successful athlete, a person is struggling with doubts, expectations, and the search for purpose.
As a student-athlete, I often feel the same balance between love and frustration for my sport. Training, studying, competing—it’s not always easy to keep motivation high. Agassi’s story showed me that even champions go through those moments, and that what really matters is learning to keep going despite them. I admired his ability to reinvent himself, to turn failures into lessons, and to find meaning beyond trophies. That’s something I think every athlete, no matter the level, can relate to.
What also stood out to me was how Agassi’s journey wasn’t just about winning titles—it was about finding himself. His reflections on education and personal growth really resonated with me. It made me realize that being an athlete doesn’t mean sacrificing who you are outside of sports; it means discovering how your sport shapes you as a person.
I highly recommend “Open” to every athlete and even to people who don’t play sports. It’s not just a book about tennis—it’s about resilience, identity and the human side of success. For me, it felt like listening to someone who truly understands what it means to chase a dream and face yourself in the process.
