Ashley Harkleroad

May 27th, 2007

9:24pm (Paris Time)

Bonjour -

Well as many of you know, it's raining here. My first match was postponed until tomorrow - when I'll be first on. I drew Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak who I have played three times in the past. While I did lose two of those matches, I think she plays better on faster surfaces, so if I can play my best tennis, I like my chances.

Since arriving to Paris on Thursday, I've just been trying to rest and acclimate myself to Paris time. Jetlag is not something you can shake in a day, but each day, I'm getting better.

The reason I didn't play any matches on the clay to prepare for this Slam was I needed some minor surgery in Los Angeles. Nothing serious, but I was not able to play in the Strasbourg International as I had hoped.

Clay certainly is my best surface, but this is still one of the best Slams because it's in Paris. Hopefully I'll be able to get out and do some shopping and enjoy the city at some point while I'm here, but for now I'm focused on tennis. I did however manage to get out with my friend Ally Baker and enjoy some great Indian food last night.

Oh - one last thing. I'll be playing doubles with a new partner here. I hooked up with Ukrainian Mariya Koryttseva through an email correspondence - I've played against her a few times and I think we'll make a strong team. For a doubles team to be successful, serving and return of serve are essential, and we both do those well.

Wish me luck - until next time,

Ashley