A Little Crystal Meth
I generally keep this blog to improving your game but me, like everyone else, is a bit surprised by the confessions made by Andre Agassi this week about his crystal methamphetamine use when he was down (and almost out) in '97. I have always liked Andre, and still do, partly because I try to play like him and he was always an underdog when playing his nemesis Pistol Pete Sampras.
It is unfortunate however if young readers get the impression that you can fool around with drugs, quit anytime, and then remake yourself into something special. Andre's meth use is the exception and not the rule. But when you are 15 or 20, it's hard to believe you can't just stop when you want to, it's the hubris of youth.
I read the full excerpt in Sports Illustrated yesterday and what is more amazing and entertaining (and frightening) is how Andre talks about his father's single-mindedness of making him a champion. It's a story of child abuse but not in the usual sense. It's a cautionary tale for overzealous parents and for those high achieving juniors who are trading in their youth for the dreams of their parents.
It is exquisitely well written which means Andre didn't write it, but he told the stories and approved of what was written. While Pete got the better of him most times on the court, it's Pete now who double faulted when asked by a reporter last month about what is his most inspiring project he is currently committed to. After a long awkward pause, he mumbled something about being busy raising young kids. Indeed. You know after reading about Andre's father Mike that Andre and Steffi won't be little league parents.
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