Content Warning: The source material addresses child abuse, mental health, substance misuse, and the pressures of professional sports.

Waking up on the floor, 36-year-old Andre Agassi felt disoriented. In addition to congenital spondylolisthesis, he had two herniated discs and bone spurs in his spine and would often lay on the floor at night due to excruciating back pain. Lying next to the bed, Andre focused by reviewing the facts of his life: He was married to Steffi Graf; they had a five-year-old son, Jaden, and a three-year-old daughter, Jaz. They lived in Las Vegas but were staying in a New York City hotel while Andre played in the 2006 US Open, the final tournament of his tennis career.

In preparation for the match, Andre had a cortisone injection—the 13th of his career. Though he hated tennis, he did not want his career to end. He was scheduled to play a second-round match against 21-year-old Marcos Baghdatis, who grew up idolizing him and studying his game. Andre drank “Gil Water,” a concoction his trainer made to hydrate and energize him. He traveled to Arthur Ashe Stadium with his trainer, Gil, and his coach, Darren. Watching Baghdatis adjust his long hair in the locker room, Andre was momentarily envious.