The MCTA soon began to make its mark on the International junior game with Ilija’s excellent run to the semi-final and I feel confident that Anna Fitzpatrick will add to our presence at the Orange Bowl after a disappointing 6-4 loss in the third set in the last round of qualifying this week.

We had to split up with Jez and Hampo taking the rest back to Miami whilst I stayed with ‘The Vucic’. We have made good progress on his mentality and game after 2 average matches to start the tournament. He is learning fast. Thank goodness I found a great coffee shop with wireless so sending emails was tolerable at the end of a hard day rather than using McDonalds (poor coffee and no latte’s) as we have had to do first 3 days. The Starbucks near our apartments surprisingly charged for wireless.

Tomorrow (Sunday) we head to Miami early so Ilija can prepare for Monday. We drive along alligator alley which excited the kids greatly when we saw plenty of alligators sunning themselves on the banks of the everglades. Anna seemed particularly fascinated and hopefully she will be as razor sharp as their teeth next week! I’m off to Sarasota mall to do some Xmas shopping this afternoon as it will be one of the few afternoons free. This job is very labour intense and the vigilance we (the coaches) have to have to make sure the players keep their edge is very tiring. This is the beauty of a touring academy….so little slippage, a constant striving to get better everyday with no distractions. I call it getting “on the march with players” and certainly this tour we have laid an excellent foundation for the future of all 3 players.

Well we are into the home stretch with 2 tournaments to go. I’m eager for us to drive hard to the very end with a good showing in both tournaments.

Dave