Hello from Melbourne. We arrived on Thursday here in Melbourne from Hobart. Aki ended up winning her first round in doubles 76 63 against Birnerova and Yakimova but ended up losing in the quarters 63 36 64 to the eventual winners of the tournament, Vesnina and Likhovtseva. Aki and her partner, Uhlirova, I thought played very well, also considering it was there first time ever playing together. Also, it gave Akiko some more matches in preperation for the Australian Open.

It was a tough flight from Hobart to Melbourne for me because I had to take the flight at 6 in the morning. Aki and Kotani san got the last two seats of the 1:40 afternoon flight. Aki's doubles matches finished very late, around midnight, so by the time I changed our hotel reservations in Melbourne, booked the tickets, and packed...it was already 2:00 am. Good thing though is that Akiko had off on Thursday so I was able to take a good nap when i arrived in Melbourne.

Both Akiko's parents arrived as well on Thursday. I believe this is the 2nd time Mr. Morigami has ever seen Aki play outside Japan. I know Aki is very excited to have both her parents here watching. For her parents, they must be so happy for their daughter, to see her everyday living her dream as being one of the top tennis players in the world.

Last night we celebrated Akiko's birthday. Around the corner from where we are staying, is a great Japanese restaurant. We have been going there the last 3 years and have made friends with the owner. She has always been so nice to bothme and Akiko. We had a wonderful dinner, and I hope Aki enjoyed her birthday.

Well the draw has been made and Akiko will play Tsvetana Pironkova from Bulgaria. Aki played her one time in doubles in Fed Cup last year when Japan faced Bulgaria. We will find out later today if they will play Monday or Tuesday.

Well, must go now. Will post you again soon. Bye for now...