14th May, 2000

There's no way on clay

Losing to Bohdan Ulihrach was a disappointing way to return to Rome after reaching the finals here last year.

For me to play well on clay I need all the conditions to be right and with the rain it was always going to be an uphill battle.

I hit the ball well and served well for a set and a half but it was never going to be enough.

I really struggled with my fitness, which is unusual for me and I need to search for the right motivation in order to build up my fitness leading into the French Open.

I'm heading to Hamburg this week and I'll be playing doubles with Lleyton Hewitt, so hopefully some of his good form can rub off.

I achieved one of my life-time ambitions this week when I went to mass at St Peters and afterwards had the privilege of meeting the Pope. My brother Peter and I had the honour of a private meeting after mass and it was a moving experience.

I've watched over the years a number of people have an audience with His Holiness, never thinking that I would be one. I was able to meet the Pope through the good work of Cardinal Peter Doyle who is a big tennis fan, and it is something I will never forget.

Robyn