Back in Japan now, arrived late last night in Osaka. Here for a few days getting ready for Toray Pan Pacific Open which starts next weekend. Akiko lost in the 2nd round of singles and 1st round, in a tough 3 set match with partner Aiko Nakamura, in the Australian Open.

Thought we had some good experiences down in Melbourne. In Aki's first match against Pironkova, the temperature that day was 40 degrees. In Australia, they have a heat rule that if the temperature is above 35 degrees, they finish the matches in progress but will not put on any new matches until temperature is back down to 35. It reached 35 degrees at 8:00pm, and were able to put Akiko's match on court. Her opponent came out firing from the beginning racing out to a 3-0 lead and had points to go up 4-0. Akiko did an unbelievable job, fighting back to win the 1st set 7-5. During the first set, Aki fomed very bad blisters on her feet from the courts being so hot all day, actually a player on the men's side had to retire due to blisters. In the 2nd set, you could see that it was bothering Aki from moving and lost the set 2-6. It came down to a 3rd set and amazingly she won 6-4. I was so happy for Akiko, coming through against tough opponent and having to deal with her feet, was amazing.

Thank God again that Kotani san was there because he did a fantastic job getting Aki in the best possible condition to play her 2nd round match against # 4 seed Kim Clisters. The match was played on Rod Laver Arena. As I was watching the match from the box, I felt so lucky and honored that the player I coach is playing on Rod Laver Arena. Akiko ended up losing the match 3-6 0-6 but I thought she played a good match. In the first set, she was right there, but Clisters is really playing very good right now and I think is one of the top favorites to win the tournament.

Later that day, Akiko and Aiko played #15 seed Dementieva and Pennetta. It was a great match but came up just short 6-4 3-6 4-6. Had chances to win this match but the positive thing I took, and hopefully the girls did, is they are very close to beating these top teams in the world. This team was a Grand Slam finalist in the 2005 US Open and it won't be long until we wil pull out these types of matches.

This is my 3rd time to Australian Open and have to say its up there at maybe my favorite Gand Slam. I mean, all 4 Grand Slams have their own special things about them, but I think Melbourne is very exciting. You have such a great site, Melbourne Park, with thousand of energetic fans that come out to watch. Many people paint there faces cheering for there country. Two of the courts can close the roofs, so if its raining, tennis can still be played and also you have the night matches that go on. We stay right in the downtown where there are so many restaurants to choose from. Everything is just so easy and relaxed. Must say if you do have the opportunity, go down and watch the Australian Open..you won't be disappointed!

Well, this week we will have preperation for Toray. Will update when I arrive in Tokyo. Bye for now....