The 'Zen Master' Interview
It's 11:30 in the morning on Saturday, September 5 at the US Open. Andre Agassi has already won the first set of the match, 6-4. Down a game but on serve in the second set, Costa has the ball. The camera breaks away to the stands where USA commentator Michael Barkann is sitting with a special guest.

Michael Barkann: Her name is Barbra, and I want to know how a singer is friends with a tennis player. How did that work out?

Barbra Streisand: Actually, Andre called me after he saw "Prince of Tides"." He was very sweet and he was moved by the movie and we stayed on the phone for a few hours. We had a lot in common. He's very very intelligent, very, very sensitive, very evolved, more than his linear years. He's an extraordinary human being.

Barkann: What moves you about him on the court?

Barbra: He plays like a Zen Master. It's very in the moment. It's very concentrated, very focused, but very much aware of everything that's happening. He can have humor. He's very kind also. You see it in his playing, like in Wimbledon with McEnroe. He amazes me.

Barkann: You went nuts out there while he's playing. You really get excited

Barbra: He's great.

Meanwhile, back on court, Costa hits a shot down the alley that is ruled out. He vigorously argues the call with the chair umpire. Barbra and Barkann chime in on the disputed play:

Barkann: You saw that call? The ball went out.

Barbra: He's crazy. It was eight inches out!

Barkann: It was way out.

Barbra: It was at least four inches out. Definitely.

Barkann: You play any tennis yourself?

Barbra: Very badly.

Barkann: You get on the court with Andre?

Barbra: Well. we're gonna play in LA next week.

Barkann: You know, it gets all quiet between serves. People are screaming out, ' Barbra' .

Barbra: That's right. That's why I left. I didn't want to be distracting to him.

Agassi Responds
At a press conference during the tournament, Agassi was asked about Barbra's on-camera interview, and specifically about her reference to him as a Zen Master.

Q. On television tonight, Barbra Streisand was actually interviewed. She said that you are playing like a Zen Master, very much in the moment. What do you think that means? ... And why do you think you have been able to bring her out here two times?

Agassi: Well, you know Barbra does what she wants to do. She is her own woman. I didn't bring her anywhere ... I have always had an unbelievable amount of respect for her, you know, and I am not usually one to judge people through their work, but some of the things that she has been a part of is completely amazing. You have to know that you are passionate person to do the things that she has done and to accomplish the things that she has accomplished ... It has been such a great honor to me to think that she feels even somewhat of that for me ... She obviously has a lot of respect for me on a personal level, and now she has come out and watch me play ... That is the ultimate compliment from somebody who has accomplished that much.

Q. Any idea what Zen Master might mean?

Agassi: I am going to have to talk to her about that one.

Agassi would go on to easily win the match against Costa in straight sets (6-4, 6-3, 6-2), only to be ousted in the quarters by top seed Jim Courier. Oh, and Barbra was there for that match, too.