March 9, 1998

  I have been in America since February 5th. Since arriving I have 1) trained at Nick Bolletieri's tennis academy in Bradenton, Florida, 2) lost in the 1st round at San Jose, California, 3) won my first career championship series event in Memphis, TN (and first title of 1988), 4) gone back to Bolletieri's to train during my week off and 5) lost in the 2nd round of
the Franklin Templeton Classic in Scottsdale, Arizona.

  The past month's activities have prepared me for my last two tournaments, before heading home to Melbourne for a two and a half-day break from the ATP tour. These last two events are especially important because they are super nine events: the Newsweek champions cup in Indian wells, Ca from March 9th through the 15th and the Lipton Championships in Key
Biscayne, Florida from March 16th until the 29th.

  Memphis proved to be a particularly enjoyable week for me. I played good, solid tennis over the course of the week, dropping only one set in five matches. My toughest match came in the quarterfinals against Thomas Enqvist. After losing the first set 6-3, I came from behind to win 6-2. 7-6 (7-3). That victory gave me even more confidence going into my semifinal
matchup with Marcelo Rios. Until then, I had yet to beat Rios but I felt great both physically and mentally going into the match. I played a good match in winning 6-4, 7-6 (7-3).

  That set up a final round clash against Michael Chang, whom I had been 0-4 against prior to our match. Incidentally, it was Michael's 26th birthday, but I was in no mood to give him a present as I broke him his first two service games to go ahead 3-0 after 15 minutes. I promptly dispatched of him with a relatively east 6-3, 6-2 victory. Starting with when I arrived in Memphis the Thursday before the tournament began, I have been especially strict with my diet. I have been "living off" of protein shakes, steel bars (which have high levels of protein) and fat-free yogurt with chopped mixed nuts on top. As you may have been able to deduce, I have drastically increased my protein levels, while decreasing both my fat and carbohydrate intake. As a result of this modified diet, outlined and supervised by my coach, Gavin Hopper, I have been experiencing an increased energy level.

  This increased energy level, combined with my continued improvement in footwork, has allowed me to become more patient with my game. I no longer feel the need to end points quickly because now I know that I can outlast my opponent from the baseline, when
necessary.

  However, tennis is not the only thing going on in my life right now. I recently purchased a Porsche 911 Cabriolet, which I keep in Florida. It is silver with dark blue interior. Since buying the car, I have already modified it. I have lowered the car two inches, put a straight-pipe exhaust system in and installed an $8,000 radar system. The radar system is "top of the line" and consists of laser beams at both the front and back of the car that detect any form of radar, alarms, etc.

  Also, I recently purchased a house in Florida, which will serve as my base in the United States. My father, Nick, flew over from Melbourne about three weeks ago to help furnish it. In fact, the place already feels like home. The house has everything I need: a Sony Playstation, surround-sound audio equipment, a big screen TV, and a pool in the backyard.

  Mark