It’s been an eventful week! I was obviously very happy with my play in Cincinnati. My match against Azarenka in the first round was one of my most fun matches in a long time; I really enjoyed the atmosphere in the stadium, and the intense competition.
After the French Open I went to Belgrade to visit some family. It was a long time since my last visit and I had a lot of catching up to do.
I went to the premiere of Sex and the City 2 and also took part in an event for my sponsor Verano: a shopping party at the Zira mall. I was fortunate to be visited by my friend Sorana Cirstea, and I really enjoyed showing her some parts of the city.
Arriving back in the city where you have won a tournament is always a special feeling. I think Paris is the most special city for me, considering some of the experiences I have had here.
Even before I won the French Open, my first Grand Slam title, I had always achieved things first here: my first Grand Slam quarter-final, my first Grand Slam final, for example. And my match with Mauresmo when I was 17 – I will never forget it.
I spent yesterday in Madrid, taking part in the launch of this year’s tournament. It was a superbly organized event and I enjoyed being involved.
I had a very informal hit with Manolo Santana, the tournament director and legend of Spanish tennis, on a mini-court. He’s a lovely man and I always enjoy meeting him. He was wearing a suit and I was in a dress, so it wasn’t the most intense hit!
I’m currently training in California with my new coach Heinz Gunthardt. Things are going well: I am learning a lot from him, and I’m feeling more confident about my game.
The timing of the New York exhibition couldn’t be any better, considering that we have just started working together: it gives us the opportunity to try some things out in a serious setting, but one that is not as pressured as a tournament.
Taking part in Friday morning’s draw was interesting to say the least.
Not only did it throw up many intriguing first-round matches — not to mention many potentially thrilling encounters in the later rounds — but MC Bruce McAvaney kept me firmly on my toes.
‘‘Who do you think is better looking: Maria Sharapova or Maria Kirilenko?’’ is not the kind of question I’m used to being asked, but you can’t say he didn’t make it interesting!
It's been a thrilling start to the season. I can't over-emphasis how much I missed competing over the past few months.
I had my longest off-season and simply couldn't wait to get back on court.
I went into the Brisbane International with no expectations, because it was hard to know how I would perform after being away for three months.
I'm happy with my progress, although disappointed with my performance against Justine Henin in the semis.
I'd like to thank everyone who sent me a birthday message last week. I had a very nice time: a quiet dinner with friends!
It was my brother's 18th birthday last month – now THAT was a celebration! There were over a hundred people and most of them danced all night.
I've already started training again, to be ready for the new season. At the moment it's just fitness, but tennis will start next week, with Sven.
I guess having to withdraw from Beijing is an appropriate ending to a very disappointing season. This trip to Asia has been a big disappointment and I have struggled with my health pretty much since I arrived. I am sorry to my supporters who were hoping to see me play here in Beijing. It's very disappointing for me as well, to come here, see the amazing facility they have and not have the energy to be able to step onto court. I can only look forward to coming back here next year.
It's no secret that this is the most difficult time of my career so far. Losing in the first round of the US Open hurt a great deal, I can tell you that.
I feel mentally exhausted. This season has been very difficult in terms of my health and form: even though I'm in great shape in terms of my stamina and speed, I've been picking up so many small injuries. Just when I felt like I was close to getting back into my rhythm, I would feel pain in a new place, and then I'd feel like I'm starting all over again.
