Hi Everyone!

Masters Series event one in Indian Wells has passed and normal service was resumed, with Federer winning his third straight title there, playing the fast-improving James Blake in the final.

Blake prevented Nadal from challenging Federer for the second

time this year and I think Nadal still has a long way to go to be a consistent hard-court contender and therefore a real threat to the No 1.

Other masters at work

As I write this the second Masters Series is in progress and Nadal, Henin and Clijsters are early victims. Carlos Moya beat Nadal, proving that the mentor still has enough to beat the pupil occasionally.

Andre Agassi withdrew and I stand by my theory that he will have one last outing at Wimbledon and the US Open and then call it a day. It is very likely that Henman could call it a day after the Open as well, if his body and ranking are both struggling.

It truly is nearly the end of an era and there is something magical about the vibrant new champions vs the nostalgia of the declining masters, because the masters on their day can still beat the young guns, just less often.

Jez Green working with Daniela Hantuchova

Jez Green is helping Daniela Hantuchova for three weeks, covering the Miami tournament in between. It will be interesting to see if her movement can improve and mentally she can start challenging for titles.

I think Mauresmo will win this title and that this is the year she will win more Grand Slam titles as she becomes more comfortable with being No 1.

Leeds LTA Academy 

I have just returned from three weeks in Australia with two players, which was very enjoyable both for the weather and the progress that was made.

Anna Fitzpatrick made the last round of qualifying in a 25k Challenger in Canberra. This was a significant result because of the style of play she is beginning to consistently bring to the court. Her WTA ranking is creeping up nicely.

Jo Craven achieved her first tournament towards a doubles ranking. Naomi Broady finished third overall in the U16 Grand prix points table, which is a little disappointing. She lost the first round of the Masters but recovered well to win the consolation and then qualified for her first 10k Main Draw later the same week.

Jo and Naomi are currently ranked No 1 in the U18 and U16 UK rankings respectively.

All the best,

David