TMS - STUTTGART

October 17, 2001

Andre Agassi

MODERATOR: Questions for Andre.

ANDRE AGASSI: Yeah, he sure did. He came up with some real good shots at the right time. First set, two set points, he hit two real incredible passing shots: one backhand, one forehand. You know, he just executed his shots better than me when the games got close. Had a couple chances, but not as many as he did.

ANDRE AGASSI: Ordinary. I felt certainly I could have moved better. I suppose a lot has to do with just so many weeks not reacting to the ball. Experience tells me to hang in there. But it's a little frustrating.

ANDRE AGASSI: I mean, you're certainly not confused as to which are the biggest tournaments. With that being said, there's still a competitive drive when you play against the best players of the world - and they're here.

ANDRE AGASSI: Yeah. But with that being said, it would also be nice to do well here. You can't expect to do great all the time, I guess. If you could just dial it in the way you wanted, you would do it, you know, a few times a year. It's important to get these matches in order to step it up in Sydney. It is important to be here and playing well. But I remain hopeful that I do have a lot to look forward to still in the World Championships, Masters Cup.

ANDRE AGASSI: Well, it would be a great accomplishment. Unfortunately, you've got to win to be No. 1. I wish you could just lose and be No. 1 (laughter). But, you know, you've got to go out there and earn it. You know, there's still a lot of tennis left. But I think, more important to me, it's to be ready to come back for another year.

ANDRE AGASSI: Well, I mean, I suppose eagerness gets tougher every year. But I do feel equipped, you know, ready for the challenge. But, you know, while I might have doubt, I believe doubt's always been my greatest fueler, you know. It's always given me the most amount of purpose because, you know, I don't like questioning myself, if it's something I'm choosing to do. So, yeah, there's always doubt.

ANDRE AGASSI: Well, I mean, the good news about sports is my opinion doesn't matter a whole lot. You have to go out there and do it. He was good enough to beat me today. I'm not sure what that says necessarily about him. But I thought he was playing some great tennis. He has a game to give everybody difficulty. To win these tournaments, you have to have a little something extra, and that comes inside your heart. Certainly the week will unfold accordingly.

ANDRE AGASSI: Yeah.

ANDRE AGASSI: The older you get, the more you want the calls, I assure you (smiling). The more you feel like you deserve them, too. Yeah, he was certainly questioning a lot of calls. Who's to say what's going through his mind or if he's agitated or competitive. For me it's about the game. Whether you're upset or whether you're focused, whether you're distracted, it's still about how you execute what you're doing. Pete has always had a way of knowing when to do that. Suppose it can't go on forever. I understand you being anxious, being sensitive towards when he's kind of not the same anymore. But with that being said, you have to assess that from the game standpoint - not so much the disposition.

ANDRE AGASSI: Sure. I don't think it's easy for many people now, especially Americans. But I also believe there's not just a responsibility but an obligation to continue with your life. You know, I suppose every citizen is now officially a soldier. We all have to be prepared for whatever's in store. It's a terrible world we live in.

ANDRE AGASSI: Really, you guys are interested? Yeah, we're very excited about it. I certainly am probably more excited about that than I think anything I've ever been on the verge of experiencing. Yeah, it's quite nice for both of us.

ANDRE AGASSI: Not yet. I think nine months is too long. Seems like nine months used to go faster. But I suppose a lot will change. How, I'm not sure. But as of right now, it's just hoping everything stays healthy and on course.

ANDRE AGASSI: She's doing great. She's, you know, a little bit doing every day not as much, or I guess every week not doing as much, but feeling good - considering.

ANDRE AGASSI: Rumor has it I'm going to have to (laughter). I suppose I will.