Andy’s Journal… What A Busy Guy!

Hey Guys!!!

It’s been way too long, but since it’s raining here in Toronto, I thought it would be a perfect time to check in.

So much has happened since my last message. I got to the finals of some tournament in England called Wimbledon. It was amazing because I really hate losing, and that was a close match with Roger, but I have no regrets, and have not lost sleep over it. I know I will be back in that position, and will win that prestigious event. All my UK fans out there…you guys were so great to me. I cannot wait to go back next year!

I was completely exhausted and sore after Wimbledon. It’s amazing that when you’re playing the adrenaline kicks in, and you don’t even know the wear and tear you’re putting on your body. Then the day after, everything just comes crashing down. It was too bad because I had to withdraw my participation from World Team Tennis, and I hate breaking commitments. I love the St. Louis Aces, and hope to make my return next year.

After relaxing in Austin for a week, I traveled to LA with Ginger, and my friend Garry to attend the ESPY Awards Ceremony, and shoot a commercial for AMEX before going up to San Francisco to train for the hardcourt season. Right before I left, ESPN called me and asked if I would like to help them out at the Playboy Mansion, and if I would mind spending some time with Brooke Burke and Tom Brady. That was a very difficult decision for me….yeah right! Everyone was so nice, and I got to spend a lot of time with Peyton and Eli Manning. Those guys are so cool. I had no idea!

The ESPY’s were a neat experience. I wanted to talk to everyone! Unfortunately, the one athlete I admire more than anyone, Lance Armstrong, was doing this thing in France. Congrats to him by the way. The guy continues to amaze and inspire.

You guys are going to love the AMEX commercial. I can’t give away anything, but it will definitely be pretty funny. Especially if you have enjoyed the Andre and Venus ads; it’s very similar humor.

Finally, it was time to get back to the grindstone. I went up to San Francisco, and trained my butt off for 4 days. Brad had me working out with Mark Graybow, who is a strength-and-conditioning Guru in the Bay area. As I said, we were working hard both on and off the court.

Unfortunately, because I had not played for almost two weeks, I developed a big blister on my hand that was killing me when I got to Indianapolis. The blister and my overall rustiness almost cost me big time in the first round against Kratochvil, but I survived. I started to feel good again, beating Ginepri and Hrbaty, but in the Semis I came out very flat, and was being outplayed big time by Ljubcic. His serve was just too much. I got lucky to pull that one out in 3.

The finals were great! I really took it to another level, and made life very difficult on Kiefer. All in all, I was very satisfied with my week. Any time you win a tournament, it’s a great feeling, but defending a title is extra special.

I got my work cut out for me now, but I am confident with my game, and looking forward to an awesome summer.

Peace out!!!

Andy