|
Our
On-the Scene Reports
Barbra was in New
York during the fall of 1992 to attend several matches featuring her
friend Andre Agassi. A life long tennis fan myself, I would
typically spend several evenings each September out at the US Open
in Flushing, Queens. As we were getting ready for the featured
Agassi match this particular evening, a friend of mine asked to
borrow my binoculars. Something was going on in the court side seats
and she wanted to see. Barbra Streisand had just arrived and the
entire crowd at the Louis Armstrong Stadium was all abuzz. Needless
to say, Barbra stayed for the entire match, rooting her favorite
player. Agassi won in straight sets.
A Zen
Experience
 (Sep
7, 1992) - I'll never forget Labor Day 1992. As usual, I spent
the entire day engrossed in hours of championship tennis at the US
Open in Flushing Meadows, Queens. However, little did I know how
special this Labor Day would turn out to be. As I settled in for
the evening's featured match, Andre Agassi (8) vs. Carlos Costa of
Spain (10), word began to circulate throughout Louis Armstrong Stadium
that Barbra Streisand was on the premises. Sure enough, a few
minutes before the players arrived for their warm-ups, Barbra entered
with Donna Karan and took a front row center court seat.
The whole experience was surreal. For me, tennis is one of
life's passions, and here was Barbra Streisand seemingly enjoying the
match with as much enthusiasm as the most die-hard of tennis fans.
Trying to pay attention to the match while Barbra Streisand shouted
cheers of encouragement toward Agassi was nearly impossible. My
seat was across-court from Barbra, so no matter how hard I tried to
focus on the great tennis being played out, my attention and the
attention of the entire stadium, it seemed, was focused on Andre
Agassi's special guest.
That night, Barbra was just another sports fan like the rest of us.
Her presence couldn't have been less conspicuous, though.
Throughout the entire match, people interrupted play as they yelled
out to Barbra, causing the chair umpire on more than one occasion to
ask for silence. Barbra managed to stay until the very last
point was played out. She was charming and very friendly toward
fans, even autographing tennis balls during changeovers.
Agassi won the match in straight sets (6-4,6-3,6-2). Barbra
pumped her fists in celebration of her favorite player's victory.
It was just another average Labor Day at the US Open.
|