Happy 2012

Hey guys... happy holidays!

This is always a great time to spend with your family, friends and loved ones. Because we travel so much during the year, and because I'm about to travel 11 months of the year again, I decided to stay in one place during the off-season. I was at my home here in the US. It's nice to sleep in the same bed every night! I was surrounded by people I love: my mom and dad were both here with me. We had a nice holiday season and shared gifts, and they were all special. But we don't have to give gifts only on holidays, we just give them whenever we feel like it. It's nice to show someone you care, or to see someone else cares about you :)

After my last tournament of the year I also went to Europe for a little bit, to Serbia (my family was there, so was my dog!) and to Italy, where I visited my boyfriend. I spent some time with him and just relaxed and got away from tennis a little bit. I had no commitments and no schedule, slept in every day and just did whatever I wanted. It was very low key. It was nice to be a normal girl and do what girls my age normally do!

I've been working very hard during the off-season. We have worked on some technical things, just trying to improve my overall game and trying to get to another level. I didn't feel I was playing at a high level in 2011. I've also been trying to get into better shape. I've spent a lot of time in the fitness room and am feeling really good physically. I have a new team: a new coach and hitting partner combined in one, a new fitness trainer... they're young and enthusiastic and hungry to work with me. And I'm really happy to be working with them. Everything comes with hard work. I'm looking forward to a fresh start!

Today I'm leaving for Brisbane. I decided to start my season a little earlier this year and play a few events before going to Melbourne for the Australian Open. I want to play some matches and compete. Most of all, I hope to enjoy my time on the court and try my best.

Finally, I have a newly renovated website. I hope you guys like it! Let me know what you think. I'm hoping to keep you updated all year with news and blogs and more... And of course thanks to all of you for the nice holiday wishes and neverending support. I hope you all have happy holidays and here's to a successful 2012 for everybody :)

Love, JJ