Andre Agassi Open: An Autobiography Book Review

Growing up in the late eighties and early nineties, Agassi was always a figure who stole the limelight for both the right and wrong reasons.
   Following the top players progress from tournament to tournament (which of course meant Agassi as well), I always wondered what went behind the scenes and what top players went through being constantly in the limelight.
   Open, when I first got wind of its release, was thought to be by me, and many others, to be another fake and "tailored to readers wants" biographies intended to generate more money from a retired player's legacy.
    Open, however, turned out to be a very honest, (cant be 100% sure about that, but it feels that  what is written is the truth most times) account of what a very talented, yet confused Agassi went through in his playing days.
    Accounts of feuds and rivalries (Sampras, Becker etc), despair (failed romances, injuries and losses) as well as triumphs and key life changing moments are all part of a rollercoaster ride that is written very well and is definitely worth a read for all tennis fans, not just fans of mr Agassi himself.

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Or get Open: An Autobiography here

Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT Review

Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT

The racket that 14-time grand slam champion Pete Sampras famously dumped his beloved Wilson Pro Staff's for is a refreshing choice for players looking for a modern day players stick.
   Weighing in at 12.1oz (strung), the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT is certainly on the lighter end of the spectrum compared to more traditional players sticks, but it does weight significantly more than its kid brother- the standard Pure Storm GT (10.9oz).
      The added weight gives it more power and stability, a key bonus point for heavier rackets, than the standard version but does not hinder maneuverablity due to its more neutral, slightly headlight balance.
    The Woofer technology in Tour, which allows the strings to move freely when in contact with the ball, and Graphite Tungsten (GT) construction the Tour features gives the frame a very solid and more forgiving feel on the arm compared with other frames with similar stiffness. 
       With its slightly larger headsize at 98sq inches, the racket also offers a bigger sweetspot than its rival from Wilson, the six.one, and is consequently more forgiving.
    Featuring a 21mm straight beam, the tour does offer a lot of control for players who have long, fluid strokes and can be a deadly weapon for those who strive for precision in their game. Power levels are on the low side, which is consistent with its status as a players stick, and is apparent on the serve, however, driving deep, topspin heavy groundstokes near the baseline with accuracy are effortless for a player with long, fluid strokes.
     Wilson purists may want to stick to the six.one but Babolat players who are already used to the pure drive or regular pure storm gt and want to improve their game will be pleasantly surprised with Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT.


Get a great deal on the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT here

acquet Specifications
• Headsize: 98 sq. in.
• Length: 27.00 in.
• Weight (strung):12.10 oz.
• Stiffness :64
• Balance: 6 pts Head Light
• Cross Section: 21mm straight Beam
• Swingweight: 333
• String Pattern:16x20
• Grip: Skin Feel

Babolat Pure Drive GT Review

Babolat Pure Drive GT

A racquet that boast Kim Clijsters, Li Na, Carlos Moya, Ivan Ljubicic and Andy Roddick ( who has his own signature model now) amongst its users must really have something to it.
   The pure drive is really in a new category of rackets called hybrids, which is a cross between and tweener and a traditional players frame.
The racket has a tweener-like headsize of 100sq inch which offers a healthy sweetspot to aim with and also has a manageable strung weight of 11.2oz, which is relatively light compared to classic players rackets such as the Wilson BLX Six.One 95 or even the Babolat Pure Storm Tour, but is a step higher than beginners sticks. 
    The Pure Drive, with its tapered 22-25mm tapered beam, offers a healthy amount of power which not surprisingly is most apparent when serving with it. Consistently hitting heavy first serves is considerably easy with good technique, while spinning in second serves, either with slice or topspin is also a breeze thanks to the healthy headsize.
  The Pure Drive is loaded with technology with this latest GT version featuring graphite tungsten construction which is meant to give the racket an improved, more stable and solid feel.
    Hitting deep penetrating groundstrokes off both the forehand and backhand sides are also easy however the use of topspin is essential due to the powerful nature of the racket.
   When compared to a traditional players stick the Pure Drive does lack in control, but its 16x19 string pattern does allow a healthy dose of spin generation which will help rein in the power. 
    Players with good technique and used to more old-world specified players sticks may hate the pure drive for its power and headsize, which can feel cumbersome for serve-and-volley type players used to 85 to 95sq inch rackets, but can offer much to those with an NTRP rating of 3.0 upwards.
 With its user-friendly features, it is no wonder the Pure Drive is the choice of many up-and-coming teens looking for a racquet to move into the top-tier but choose to stick with the racket even when they have turned pro or play at a higher level.


Read more reviews here 

Or get a great deal on the Babolat Pure Drive GT here

Racquet Specifications
• Headsize:100 sq. in.
• Length:27.00 in.
• Weight (strung):11.20 oz.
• Stiffness :67
• Balance: 4 pts Head Light
• Cross Section:22-25mm tapered Beam
• Swingweight:327
• String Pattern:16x19
• Grip: Synthetic