January 27, 1998

  As most of you know, I recently finished playing at the 1998 Australian Open. Unfortunately, my results were inferior to my expectations going into the tournament. In singles, I lost in the second round to Hicham Arazi of Morocco 9-7 in the fifth set. While in doubles, Patrick and I lost a first round match to Alex Corretja and Pablo Albano 7-5 in the third and final set.
 
Overall, it was a disappointing tournament for me.

     The reason why I feel this way are: 1) Because Melbourne is my hometown and 2) Because I had won the Colonial Classic at Kooyong two days before the start of the Aussie Open. In reference to the first reason, I always enjoy playing in front of my family and friends while I am at home. While at the Colonial Classic I played some terrific tennis winning all three of my matches and walking away with the winner's crystal trophy. At the Colonial, I defeated Greg Rusedski in three sets, Gustavo Kuerten 7-6 (8-6) in the third set and Andre Agassi in the final in straight sets.

  Next week I am flying over to the United States. I am going to train at Nick Bolletieri's Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida for four days. Then, I am flying to San Jose for a tournament. San Jose is my nest tournament and the first of five tournaments for myself in the United States. The last two tournaments in America before I head home at the end of March are Indian Wells (the Newsweek Champions Cup) and the Lipton, which takes place in Key Biscayne, Florida.

  Of the upcoming tournaments, these two are my favorite because of the hot weather, the nice resort hotels that I stay at and the overall atmosphere. After Lipton, I look forward to coming home for two or three weeks of vacation before heading to Europe for the "European Clay-Court Season."

  I expect good results of myself in America, as I believe that all my hard work will soon "pay off."

Talk to you all soon,

  Mark

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