We’re in love with the banner for Fila Japan‘s blog. Yep — that’s pretty much how I fell every time I step out on a court.
BTW, their mascot, Akiko Morigami, has apparently recovered from her injury is now back in the pro tennis fray. She tried to qualify for the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo last week, but got shut out in the first round by Jill Craybas. If there’s anyone out there with pics of Morigami from the event, I’d love to see ’em!
(image via fila japan)
I feel sorry to tell you that Akiko announced her retirement from professional tennis yesterday. She is playing against Anastasia Rodionova today in HP JAPAN OPEN in Osaka, her hometown. This is her last WTA tournament and she is to play at All Japan Tennis Tournament in November.
She practiced with Caroline Wozniacki on Sunday. I think this is her latest photo. (http://www.hp-open.com/images/lower_img/event/fd/fda04_o.jpg)
You can also see her video message here (http://www.hp-open.com/video_movie.php?cate=3&id=3). It comes second after Kimiko Date-Krumm’s, and Akiko says, “Come and see our play,” in Japanese.