WESTERN AND SOUTHERN FINANCIAL GROUP MASTERS

August 7, 2002

Andre Agassi

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

ANDRE AGASSI: Yeah, you can't -- it always doesn't go like that but tonight was a function of me playing well and on top of it the early opportunities going my way. Saved a few breakpoints and so in the big points I played well, on top of hitting my shots, so everything was pretty smooth.

ANDRE AGASSI: Well, it's the same elements for both players, so really when you go out there it's just a question of finding a way to deal with it better than your opponent. I think when it's cooler, certainly allows for a higher standard of tennis because physically you can push yourself even more, so it's good.

ANDRE AGASSI: I am staying on top of it. Again when you don't have the time to put something away behind you you have to just get on top of it and stay there. So no, things are still there, but I am at least in the position where I am not making things worse.

ANDRE AGASSI: Well, listen, I think, again spotting a problem is the easiest part. Fixing it is more difficult. So I wouldn't know exactly what the solution would be, but it is in my interest and hope that somewhere along the line the years of service would allow me the luxury of not having to play as -- the full schedule because I just don't think it's possible. It is possible if I am not winning but if I am having a good year, it makes it really difficult.

ANDRE AGASSI: Well, it's hard to speak for Pete. You are talking about a guy who finished No. 1 in the world six times in a row.

ANDRE AGASSI: For me, it's always been a function of my body. If I feel like I am in shape and I am moving well, and feel energetic as far as my eagerness, things could come together quickly. Sometimes playing and winning on a consistent level actually eventually puts me in a position where I find myself a little behind the 8-ball in some respects, whether it be physically or mentally. I always enjoy coming out fresh and coming out with that sort of challenge and obstacle in front of me, can I really do it or can't I. That's always been a good place for me to be in when I am out there just playing for the sake of trying to figure things out.

ANDRE AGASSI: My fitness. Really boils down to that.

ANDRE AGASSI: A guy like Pete, his game isn't just going to go away. His talent is his talent but you need to physically be at your best and you need to be moving as well and need to be sharp and then you have to be eager, so a lot of components have to come together talking about beating the best players in the world, that's -- and fighting to be that. So it's not an easy task.

ANDRE AGASSI: Yeah, when you play five days in a row again it's a function of making sure you save your best stuff for when you need it the most. As the week goes on, it gets tougher and tougher so it does feel good to go into tomorrow without digging too deeply tonight.

ANDRE AGASSI: I don't have any objectivity on it. As far as what would be best for the game my feeling is that a rivalry is not something you create. It's a result of many things coming together. It's quite a special thing to have that in your career, so I couldn't even imagine the opportunity of having something quite like that again. Took a while and it was just starting to be built with Rafter and me. Me and Patrick were having some phenomenal matches and some pretty big situations. That's what it requires, playing a lot in the bigger situations and also having the elements that allow for that sort of interest to be created. Pete and I have always been two different people. If either of us woke up as the other one we would probably go back to sleep praying it was a dream. (Laughter) .

ANDRE AGASSI: I don't know. I know why.

ANDRE AGASSI: Just two different people.

ANDRE AGASSI: With somebody else or with Pete?

ANDRE AGASSI: I suppose I am from Vegas, a betting man, I am going on percentages and saying no because it takes that much to make it special. But it doesn't mean it can't happen.