TELECOM ITALIA MASTERS

May 5, 2003

Andre Agassi

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

ANDRE AGASSI: Sorry?

ANDRE AGASSI: It's beautiful weather out there. We've had great weather here. It's a difficult match because, I mean, the first set I was taking my chances and everything was going so well. I had some chances in the second set, you know. But when a match goes from 6-love to close in the second, just a few points decide it. He started playing much better, and I took my foot off the gas.

ANDRE AGASSI: Well, I think every first round is dangerous everywhere. Everybody can play and you're getting used to the conditions and it's possible to not be a good day. But I have nothing to complain about. The match was in my control at the start, and I didn't quite put the match away. And he fought hard and played better in the third set.

ANDRE AGASSI: Yes.

ANDRE AGASSI: Well, you know, with my game, I have to work very hard to be in control of the point. So if I relax a little bit, the shot that is normally high-percentage becomes dangerous. I think I was, like, from the first set to the second set, my confidence had come down and I wasn't sharp with my movement and I missed a few opportunities. But a lot had to do with the way he was playing. He was making many more balls, and I just didn't feel like I was playing the smart decision.

ANDRE AGASSI: Well, for me to get to No. 1 at my age was an accomplishment. To get to No. 1 during the year, it's still a very long year so we'll go back and forth again and again. But I think the most disappointing is to come to Rome and to lose first round. There's nothing good about it.

ANDRE AGASSI: I would imagine. Adjustments always need to be made, and certainly losing here makes me have to, you know, reconsider a few things. But I'll discuss it with Darren and try to come up with a plan that makes sense for my chances in Paris.

ANDRE AGASSI: Well, I'm entered, obviously, in the tournament. I always sort of make that decision as I go.

ANDRE AGASSI: Well, he's very fast on the court. His speed is his best weapon. Very consistent on the backhand. When you're in position, it's easier to hit the shot, so he plays a lot of percentage because he's in position. But, yeah, his speed is his best.

ANDRE AGASSI: Just I think playing too dangerously, trying to play too deep, trying to hit the ball above my shoulder, just some bad decisions.

ANDRE AGASSI: You have to win so many times - you have to win to be No. 1. You don't get to No. 1 by worrying about such things. You've got to worry about your opponent. So, you know, you try to be at your best. Sometimes it's not so easy. But, again, I think it's a long year. The great part for me to get to No. 1 was a little piece of history, to be the oldest to do it. But to be No. 1 for a week without being the oldest doesn't matter for me because it's the whole year. So, hopefully, this will make the good times even more special.

ANDRE AGASSI: Hmm... (smiling).

ANDRE AGASSI: This is my plan, yes.

ANDRE AGASSI: To take a shower (laughter). That's the most plans I have right now.