Agassi took a lot of shots at Pete in Open

[Gonzalito17]

Re-reading Open for the second time and boy did Andre take a lot of subtle shots at Pete in the book. Of course the story about being cheap was the KO blow but there were many more shots fired. "Never so admired his dullness." Said Pete was more robotic than his pet parrot when they did interviews together for ESPN feature, said at least when I ******** a reporter I give em some color and shtick, Pete talks like a parrot. Laughing at uncultured Pete's fidgeting and boredom watching a Broadway play he took him to on the way to Davis Cup. There are many more. It wasn't nasty but it was pretty obvious Andre was making fun of Pete. Great book, wish it had a sequel or two it's so enjoyable.

 

[winstonlim8]

Considering Agassi's own admitted less than sterling personal history, I should think he has some nerve taking cheap pot shots at Pete Sampras, who was never known to have "experimented" with interesting substances.

 

[sureshs]

These things are deliberately demanded by the publishers in order to sell the book. They know that potential readers are interested in this kind of stuff and not how to hit a backhand. Same with Connor's book when he talked about Chrissie. And such things are then leaked by reviewers prior to the launch of the book to maximize sales.

 

[Gonzalito17]

Good point Sureshs it did seem Agassi went out of his way to pile it on Pete. It wasn't nasty but subtle jabbing at Pete's supposed weaker points. Still like Agassi even though he did this.

 

[MachiA.]

I like his book.
Very cheap shots indeed.
Pete is not shooting against Agassi in his book to sell it.
Agassi stated in one charity match with Stefanie Graf, that she is not blowing him anymore as often and good as it was in the beginning of their relationship.
When you know his dad through his book, you judge Agassi with mild feelings.

KR

 

[10smonkey]

I like his book.
Very cheap shots indeed.
Pete is not shooting against Agassi in his book to sell it.
Agassi stated in one charity match with Stefanie Graf, that she is not blowing him anymore as often and good as it was in the beginning of their relationship.
When you know his dad through his book, you judge Agassi with mild feelings.

KR

Huh?

 

[FD3S]

I like his book.
Very cheap shots indeed.
Pete is not shooting against Agassi in his book to sell it.
Agassi stated in one charity match with Stefanie Graf, that she is not blowing him anymore as often and good as it was in the beginning of their relationship.
When you know his dad through his book, you judge Agassi with mild feelings.

KR

That was a spoof article. Not a particularly good one, but hey; I'm sure there's someone that got more than a tired chuckle out of it.

 

[hoodjem]

Re-reading Open for the second time and boy did Andre take a lot of subtle shots at Pete in the book. Of course the story about being cheap was the KO blow but there were many more shots fired. "Never so admired his dullness." Said Pete was more robotic than his pet parrot when they did interviews together for ESPN feature, said at least when I ******** a reporter I give em some color and shtick, Pete talks like a parrot. Laughing at uncultured Pete's fidgeting and boredom watching a Broadway play he took him to on the way to Davis Cup. There are many more. It wasn't nasty but it was pretty obvious Andre was making fun of Pete. Great book, wish it had a sequel or two it's so enjoyable.

Self-aggrandizing hype.

In order to build himself up, he needs to tear others down.

Does he really need the publicity and money that badly?
How low the mighty have fallen.

 

[Bobby Jr]

He also took a few shots a Chang too for the religious comments he often made in post-match interviews.

Agassi then completely omits to mention he also mentioned God a number of times in post match comment during his Christian phase, a detail missing from the book.

There are some in-between-the-lines messages to be taken from his book no doubt. I'm sure much of what he said was included specifically with the intention of gaining publicity for the book.

 

[BeGreat]

i used to like agassi. and then i read his book. i couldn't believe how petty he was being.

and the whole book, he went on and on about how he 'hated' tennis. what a load of pretentious, "woe is me"/"i'm such a tragic hero" bull.

while reading it, i felt like he wanted to come across as dark, brooding, and sophisticated, misunderstood. however, he just came across as self involved, childish, and stupid. and him takikng cheap shots at sampras was just...so pathetic.

 

[FD3S]

He also took a few shots a Chang too for the religious comments he often made in post-match interviews.

Agassi then completely omits to mention he also mentioned God a number of times in post match comment during his Christian phase, a detail missing from the book.

There are some in-between-the-lines messages to be taken from his book no doubt. I'm sure much of what he said was included specifically with the intention of gaining publicity for the book.

Actually, his attitude toward Chang was one I could get behind. Agassi definitely made a few religious references in post match pressers too, but I don't recall him ever saying something as infuriating as Chang's post FO statement that basically boiled down to "I beat Edberg because I have a better relationship with Jesus than he does."

Uh huh. Sure, buddy. Sure.

 

[Rosewall]

Connors wasn't too pleased to read Andre's thoughts on hating tennis. Jimbo thought it was completely disrespectful to the game (fans and competitors) and ungrateful for what tennis gave him. Agassi is still one of my all time favorites, but I had a hard time with his book.

 

[Mick]

Agassi appears to me like an angry man. He sees bad things in people.

 

[Bobby Jr]

Connors wasn't too pleased to read Andre's thoughts on hating tennis. Jimbo thought it was completely disrespectful to the game ...

More to the point, I doubt it is actually be possible he hated the game as much as he claimed but was able to train as hard over such long periods of time and improve his game as much as he did. No doubt there were elements of the game he hated, but I don't buy his 'I hated tennis' line all that much.

 

[helloworld]

Agassi appears to me like an angry man. He sees bad things in people.

Why wouldn't he be after all the beatings Pete gave him and denying him a potential GOAT contender status?

 

[Sadyv]

I think a lot of Agassi's hostility toward Pete, particularly in later years, is jealousy. Pete was simply better than Andre. For as much as he likes to play up the "flawed, tortured genius" angle, in the end Andre knows that when he was playing his very best tennis, Pete would still beat him more often than not.

That happens to a lot of talented guys who maybe didn't maximize their talent all the time, in many different sports. Psychologically they often fall back on that "Well, I could have been the best if I did this and that, i was the most talented". Andre knows that just wasn't the case, and I think that eats him up a little inside, his protests about hating the game notwithstanding.

 

[10smonkey]

He also took a few shots a Chang too for the religious comments he often made in post-match interviews.

Agassi then completely omits to mention he also mentioned God a number of times in post match comment during his Christian phase, a detail missing from the book.

There are some in-between-the-lines messages to be taken from his book no doubt. I'm sure much of what he said was included specifically with the intention of gaining publicity for the book.

How about the time he shaved Jim Westhall's head on court after winning in New Haven. The deal was if he won he would shave the tournament director's head. The only condition was that he would return the next year...did he noooooo

 

[jaggy]

Actually, his attitude toward Chang was one I could get behind. Agassi definitely made a few religious references in post match pressers too, but I don't recall him ever saying something as infuriating as Chang's post FO statement that basically boiled down to "I beat Edberg because I have a better relationship with Jesus than he does."

Uh huh. Sure, buddy. Sure.

Are you suggesting the baby jesus does not care about who wins at games?

 

[FD3S]

Are you suggesting the baby jesus does not care about who wins at games?

Nah, just suggesting that the baby Jesus should have had - as a conservative estimate - a couple of million things more important/life changing then a tennis match to intervene in, assuming He decided to intervene at all

 

[Douggo]

Nah, just suggesting that the baby Jesus should have had - as a conservative estimate - a couple of million things more important/life changing then a tennis match to intervene in, assuming He decided to intervene at all

You don't think the Almighty is able to attend to a couple million things, AND a tennis match to boot?

 

[FD3S]

You don't think the Almighty is able to attend to a couple million things, AND a tennis match to boot?

That's not the issue I'm taking contention with. For the record, I think the answer to your question is 'yes' (whether or not He actually does is a debate for another day), but Chang just really ticked me off when he repeatedly trumpeted THAT as his reason for winning, like God looked down and decided to give Edberg the finger because Chang prayed a little bit more. I remember John Feinstein recalling in his latest book when someone incredulously asked Chang how he could have possibly known that he had a better relationship with God then Edberg did, he answered 'Because I do.' I've yet to see anyone in tennis match that kind of sheer arrogance. I can understand the concept of answered prayer, but thinking that God plays favourites is a bridge too far for me.

 

[ClarkC]

Actually, his attitude toward Chang was one I could get behind. Agassi definitely made a few religious references in post match pressers too, but I don't recall him ever saying something as infuriating as Chang's post FO statement that basically boiled down to "I beat Edberg because I have a better relationship with Jesus than he does."

Uh huh. Sure, buddy. Sure.

Please post the exact comments so we can see if your summary is accurate.

 

[BrooklynNY]

He also goes on to mention how when he thinks of Pete, he thinks of Sunday's and holding the Dish, not the trophy.

And how when he gets to the final, Pete is waiting. "It's always Pete" was I think the exact line.

I've seen many broadway plays, some have you on the edge of your seat, some have you slumped over sleeping.

I think I might take it off the bookshelf and give it a 2nd read, I remember after reading it the first time he was just jealous and envious.

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

Andre got catty,
and tried to disgrace
Sampras his daddy,
put him in his place


Agassi's a jealous dbag.

Who's yo' daddy, dbag?

: )

 

[ScentOfDefeat]

I can understand the concept of answered prayer, but thinking that God plays favourites is a bridge too far for me.

That's all he ever does throughout the Old Testament.

 

[Gonzalito17]

Is it true Pete and Andre will not be playing against each other for this upcoming new senior tour? They have been intentionally kept apart. Pretty interesting if true. If it's true, it must be a request by Pete.

 

[Gonzalito17]

I always considered Pete the better player but Agassi winning the career slam and the Olympic gold medal in singles has made me rethink. Pete may be the better player but Andre may have had the superior career.

 

[Gonzalito17]

And I think Andre did more for tennis than Pete, he was far more colorful and generous and he inspired more people to play. I know so many people who still revere Andre as their all time favorite player. Andre transcended the sport more than Pete did. Andre was a rock star. Pete was more an old school classical throwback for the purists.

 

[helloworld]

I always considered Pete the better player but Agassi winning the career slam and the Olympic gold medal in singles has made me rethink. Pete may be the better player but Andre may have had the superior career.

Now now, as impressive as Andre's career is/was, it is nowhere near Pete's level. Pete was the undisputed world number 1 for most of the 90s decade, while Andre was on and off the rankings. 14 slams may not tell you the whole story, but Pete was really by far the most dominant player of the 90s.

 

[aced_Tezuka]

Noticed these jabs but still still like both players. I have only read Andre's book so I like him a lot more especially with all the difficulties he went through to achieve success. [:

 

[Kobble]

Maybe Agassi is really telling the truth about himself and Pete. I've seen Pete make some assuming or self serving comments. Plus, I heard about him snubbing a band backstage at a Pearl Jam concert.

I do find it odd that Sampras, who tries to portray the class and sophisticate image would come off bored and disinterested at a broadway play. I don't know the scenario. I do believe I have overestimated Agassi's class, and underestimated his kindness. Sampras I think is more classless than he admits, too, and not as universally brilliant. I liked how Sampras stayed of of trouble, but I would never give him the angel ward. I always thought the slam dunk overhead was a bit of a tool for embarassing his opponent. Doesn't serve a purpose besides showboating. Same with Hewitt's "Come on!" to some degree. I never really saw Agassi or Nadal have a signature shot that was nothing more than showboat. Pete might be the only one, but it is not to say he is the biggest ******* on tour. I think Rios was worse. Connors was obnoxious, also.

 

[MachiA.]

As Agassi said once in a commercial: Image is everything.

So he hunts everybody down to tattoo into the lifeless body: "I DO CHARITY!" LOL

Sampras gives in silence.

Plus, I heard about him snubbing a band backstage at a Pearl Jam concert.

.

I know bands, most bandmembers are so respectful, especially after some uppers and downers and vodka. ;-)

Sampras is around 1,85 m and he can slam dunk the ball in the basket.
So his way to smash was very effective because he has the body mechanics to do so.

Jordan did something special on the basketball court too, because he simply could and it brought the results.

KR

 

[robow7]

I enjoyed the book but after reading it, I think I came away with a lesser opinion of AA than before. btw, the book wasn't that "Open" or he would have admitted to not just his dabbling with the recreational drugs but rather the performance enhancing drugs "Gil's secret shakes" but of course then the SOL wasn't in effect yet.

 

[hoodjem]

and the whole book, he went on and on about how he 'hated' tennis. what a load of pretentious, "woe is me"/"i'm such a tragic hero" bull.

while reading it, i felt like he wanted to come across as dark, brooding, and sophisticated, misunderstood

Agassi the tortured, romantic poet.?

Go figure.

 

[NLBwell]

I can understand the concept of answered prayer, but thinking that God plays favourites is a bridge too far for me.

That's all he ever does throughout the Old Testament.

Being the Chosen People certainly wasn't all good times.

 

[heninfan99]

Only two shots bothered me. The tipping thing might be true but Pete gave hundreds of thousands to a cancer charity after his Slam Cup victory. He doesn't need a big school with his name in big letters on it. He never brings it up or mentions it. Classy.

He also said Pete was uninspired. I don't think you can be uninspired and be #1 for that long and work so hard.

Great book though. I liked Agassi a little more after reading it.

 

[BMcFarlan]

I think the point about the publishers pulling that "info" out of Agassi is a valid one. Face it - imagine the details we could put out there about the guys who have taken a few championships from us. I'd bet a $5 tip would be the least of what we would dream up.

That being true (and me being a die-hard Agassi fan) didn't Pete only dedicate 1 chapter of his career-covering book to what he considered a "non-rivaly" to Andre? While I didn't read it in full I recall a comment about Pete calling it not a legitimate rivalry due to his dominance when it mattered.

 

[helloworld]

I think the point about the publishers pulling that "info" out of Agassi is a valid one. Face it - imagine the details we could put out there about the guys who have taken a few championships from us. I'd bet a $5 tip would be the least of what we would dream up.

That being true (and me being a die-hard Agassi fan) didn't Pete only dedicate 1 chapter of his career-covering book to what he considered a "non-rivaly" to Andre? While I didn't read it in full I recall a comment about Pete calling it not a legitimate rivalry due to his dominance when it mattered.

Agassi was the closest rival that Pete had, but he still didn't push Pete hard enough to be considered a serious rivalry. Pete was so dominant during his prime that he didn't really have a rival.

 

[sundaypunch]

Andre got catty,
and tried to disgrace
Sampras his daddy,
put him in his place


Agassi's a jealous dbag.

Who's yo' daddy, dbag?

: )

As they say, don't quit your day job.

 

[tennis4josh]

I have read both Agassi and Sampras books. My conclusion is that Agassi is total fake and jealous in nature. Read the incident about Brooke Shields shooting where he acted like an Jerk. The whole thing about "Hating Tennis" is a convenient lie. The fact is he could not take his losses to Pete and ended up being bitter.

I am not saying that Pete did not have any flaws but as a sportsman he set a far better example than Agassi did. You guys should read Patrick Mcenroe's book. He has described "true" character of both Agassi and Sampras.

Look up the highlights of the 2009 exhibition doubles match Agassi and Graf played to inaugurate the Wimbledon Roof. I got sick of frequent smooching and all. Total fake!

 

[ttwarrior1]

he told the truth, what did pete do to help american tennis? He was a boring robot

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Andre and Pete are both tools.

 

[Deleted member 3771]

it is ironic that Agassi married the female version of Sampras.

 

[Rozroz]

it is ironic that Agassi married the female version of Sampras.

ha ha.. didn't think of that.

 

[hoodjem]

it is ironic that Agassi married the female version of Sampras.

Poor Andre.

Totured by his father, his rival, and now his wife.




Such an admirable but tragic, Romantic, long-suffering anti-hero.

 

[slice bh compliment]

These things are deliberately demanded by the publishers in order to sell the book. They know that potential readers are interested in this kind of stuff and not how to hit a backhand. Same with Connor's book when he talked about Chrissie. And such things are then leaked by reviewers prior to the launch of the book to maximize sales.

^Truth.^

I have read both Agassi and Sampras books. My conclusion is that Agassi is total fake and jealous in nature. Read the incident about Brooke Shields shooting where he acted like an Jerk. The whole thing about "Hating Tennis" is a convenient lie. The fact is he could not take his losses to Pete and ended up being bitter.

I am not saying that Pete did not have any flaws but as a sportsman he set a far better example than Agassi did. You guys should read Patrick Mcenroe's book. He has described "true" character of both Agassi and Sampras.

Look up the highlights of the 2009 exhibition doubles match Agassi and Graf played to inaugurate the Wimbledon Roof. I got sick of frequent smooching and all. Total fake!

Hollywood got him early and often. Still got him.

 

[heftylefty]

That's not the issue I'm taking contention with. For the record, I think the answer to your question is 'yes' (whether or not He actually does is a debate for another day), but Chang just really ticked me off when he repeatedly trumpeted THAT as his reason for winning, like God looked down and decided to give Edberg the finger because Chang prayed a little bit more. I remember John Feinstein recalling in his latest book when someone incredulously asked Chang how he could have possibly known that he had a better relationship with God then Edberg did, he answered 'Because I do.' I've yet to see anyone in tennis match that kind of sheer arrogance. I can understand the concept of answered prayer, but thinking that God plays favourites is a bridge too far for me.

Amen! I think the Almight has bigger fish to fry than "blessing" on tennis player over another.

Plus everyone knows that when God is playing well, he's be heard saying he's was Edberg mode.

 

[hoodjem]

Amen! I think the Almight has bigger fish to fry than "blessing" on tennis player over another.

Plus everyone knows that when God is playing well, he's be heard saying he's was Edberg mode.

Yep. When God is on his game, he does what Edberg does.

 

[slice bh compliment]

Does TW stock Roger's new WWED bracelet? And while we're shopping, does TW sell this semi-western grip i keep hearing about?

 

[SteveI]

I have read both Agassi and Sampras books. My conclusion is that Agassi is total fake and jealous in nature. Read the incident about Brooke Shields shooting where he acted like an Jerk. The whole thing about "Hating Tennis" is a convenient lie. The fact is he could not take his losses to Pete and ended up being bitter.

I am not saying that Pete did not have any flaws but as a sportsman he set a far better example than Agassi did. You guys should read Patrick Mcenroe's book. He has described "true" character of both Agassi and Sampras.

Look up the highlights of the 2009 exhibition doubles match Agassi and Graf played to inaugurate the Wimbledon Roof. I got sick of frequent smooching and all. Total fake!

This pretty much sums it all up. Agassi is very bitter about Pete. He made comments at one point that he had to work much harder than Pete to win points and matches. He hated that Pete made it look easy and got many more free points than he did. While AA did more for the game, Pete was cut from the same mold as the older Aussies and players like Stan Smith. Class acts.. let their games speak for them. Pete was never in the news outside of tennis..never tanked a match that I saw. On the other hand, AA was always in the news..good and bad and used to tank matches all the time when he was getting appearance money and he was not really interested in anything but getting his cash and running for the bus.

That Exhibition match a few year ago (doubles with Fed and Rafa) was scary.. Poor Fed and Rafa wanted to run and hide. A very bad moment for tennis and AA.