-
Andre Agassi - Source: Photosport -
Related
Andre Agassi used crystal meth while still playing professional tennis, according to his autobiography.
The New York Daily News has reported that that Agassi admits to using the drug in 1997 in his book, which is due for release next month.
"Excerpts contain revelations about Andre's use of crystal meth when he was a tennis player," said Paul Bogaards, according to the Daily News.
Agassi writes in the book that he began regularly using crystal
meth, an addictive synthetic stimulant, in the late 1990's, People
reported on their website
"I can't speak to addiction, but a lot of people would say that if
you're using anything as an escape, you have a problem," Agassi was
quoted as writing.
Agassi, a former world number one and four-times winner of the
Australian Open, retired from tennis after the 2006 US Open.
Agassi, 39, said he was not worried about the impact of his
admissions on his fans.
"I was worried for a moment, but not for long.
"I wore my heart on my sleeve and my emotions were always written
on my face. I was actually excited about telling the world the
whole story."
Agassi won Olympic gold in 1996 but didn't win any tennis
tournaments in 1997.
In fact, 97 was the low point of Agassi's career. His wrist injury
resurfaced, and he played only 24 matches during the year. He won
no top-level titles and his ranking sank to World No. 141 on
November 10, 1997. He ultimately finished the year ranked World No.
122.
His next major win came at the French Open in 1999 before taking the US Open later that year.
His book, "Open: An Autobiography," is due for release on November 9.
