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Peter Bodo has always been a greatly overrated writer in my book. It was nice to get a behind the scenes feel of the mindset that Sampras had through certain matches, off time - and through his entire career. The editing is a bit sloppy - but otherwise - this is a pretty easy read, and nice to get a feel for a guy who, in my opinion, is the hands-down best player I've ever seen. I enjoyed taking the time to get to 'know' Pete a little bit. I always loved his game, his class and his committment to excellence.
His insights on other players were helpful as well. This book did what a sports autobiography should do. While it lacked "sensationalism," it really reflected Pete's tennis journey.
Even his two years of difficulty before that last US Open come of as flat (perhaps the exact spot where Moeringher would have been better than Bodo). These had to be major parts of his life and by leaving them out he does a disservice to his own struggle and story. The only issues he seems to face are his dispassionate image and the media. I read this book back-to-back with the Agassi autobiography and the two don't even compare. In the end, they help the book reinforce rather than deflate that robotic image.I don't think I'd have liked the book at all if I wasn't a tennis fan, but since I do I give it 2.5 to 3 stars. Moeringher rather than Peter Bodo (who I read a lot on ESPN, but is not a professional memoirist), but while reading the book you just don't get a sense of the pain and trials Sampras must have gone through to stay dominant. Of course, Agassi had an unfair advantage working with J.R. He never goes into his training regiment and rarely talks about his planning and strategy.
I don't believe there's any other way to excel in the very sport you compete unless you let your adversaries know that they are about to face "the champion." Pete Sampras gets that point across throughout the entire book. This is an interesting book that outlines the attitude and demonstrates the thought process of a champion. It must be out of respect to his wife Bridgette which is understandable. I also noticed that he doesn't talk about any of his past girlfriends in the book. I read many biographies about different standouts in their own fields. They all have that cocky, confident approach to the turf that they belong.
He talks very little of his personal life and the book reads a lot more like a laundry list of his most important matches. I am a huge fan of Sampras and his incredible career. Unfortunately, this book is not very well written.
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