Book-signing turnout amazes Agassi

The line snaked around and around, much like the security checkpoints at McCarran International Airport on a Sunday afternoon.

But instead of trying to get through security, the 1,000 or so who were at Wynn Las Vegas were waiting to get their book signed by Andre Agassi.

The tennis legend kicked off the launch of "Open: An Autobiography" on Monday in his hometown.

Agassi said he wasn't sure what to expect but the turnout definitely surprised him.

"Pretty overwhelming," Agassi said as he signed his book. "It was quite amazing."

And those in the long line, were more than happy to wait.

"I'm looking forward to reading it," said Bryan Eaglehelper of Las Vegas. "I've seen the excerpts and I'm glad he did it. It shows his human side."

Kim Sutphin of Las Vegas said: "I know what it's like to be in his shoes and I use him as a role model."

Sutphin is referring to Agassi's admitted use of crystal meth in 1997 when he was at the depths of his career.

"I like his honesty," Sutphin said. "I was in a similar place but with something different and I've felt the lowest low and what it's like to start over.

"For him to risk his reputation to tell his story, to me, that's very impressive."

Agassi did a one-hour interview on stage at the Encore theater with ESPN's Rick Reilly prior to the book signing and Reilly brought up the fact that Agassi's admitted drug use hasn't sat well in parts of the tennis world.

Martina Navratilova has been particularly critical of Agassi, comparing his drug use to that of Roger Clemens and steroids.

When asked about Navratilova by Reilly, Agassi said, "I couldn't have beaten Martina on it."

Most of Agassi's family was in attendance Monday, including his parents, Mike and Betty, and his brother Phil. He good-naturedly kidded his dad for not having read the book.

"Why should I read it? I was there!" his father said, smiling.

It was all love for Agassi Monday, from the moment he walked on stage to a standing ovation, to the last autograph he placed in the last book.

"I'm thrilled to finally get this book into people's hands," he said. "It's been a hectic last couple of weeks. But it's exciting and it's fun to talk about my story and share it with everyone."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.