Early years were tough from "summary" of Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi
The early years were a struggle. It wasn't just the pressure to excel on the court, but the weight of expectations that seemed to suffocate me. My father, a former boxer, was relentless in his pursuit of perfection. He didn't care about my feelings or my well-being; all he saw was a future champion. I was just a child, trying to find my way in a world that didn't make sense to me. Tennis was my escape, my refuge from the chaos that surrounded me. But even there, I couldn't find peace. The endless practice sessions, the grueling drills, the constant scrutiny - it was all too much for a young boy to bear.
I felt like I was living someone else's life, like I was playing a part in a never-ending drama. I longed for freedom, for a chance to be myself, to pursue my own dreams and desires. But my father's iron grip held me in place, forcing me to conform to his vision of success.
The pressure to succeed was crushing. Every match felt like a life-or-death struggle, every loss a blow to my very being. I couldn't escape the expectations, the demands, the relentless drive for perfection. It was a never-ending cycle of stress and anxiety, a prison from which I couldn't break free.
But despite the hardships, I persevered. I found solace in the game itself, in the sheer joy of hitting a perfect shot, of moving with grace and precision on the court. Tennis became my salvation, my one true passion in a sea of uncertainty and doubt.
The early years were tough, there's no denying that. But they shaped me into the person I am today - resilient, determined, unwavering in my commitment to excellence. And for that, I will always be grateful.
