Nation's woes uppermost on Japanese players' minds

Indian Wells, California: Japanese tennis players expressed shock and sadness on Friday after the nation's biggest-ever earthquake and the massive tsunami that followed it.

Japan's top-ranked male Kei Nishikori said he couldn't help but think of the devastating news as he played his opening match at the Indian Wells WTA and ATP Masters 1000 tournament on Friday.

"I was shocked yesterday and today, but I had to concentrate on my game," said Nishikori who lost 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 6-4. "Inside in my heart I was thinking."

The 20-year-old Nishikori wore a black ribbon on his chest in honour of those who who died in the disaster.

Nishikori's hometown of Shimane is in southwest Japan and far from the centre of the earthquake-ravaged area. As soon as he heard the news he phoned his family and friends back home.

"At least they are fine. My family is OK," he said.

Kimiko Date-Krumm is in the women's draw at Indian Wells and said she worries not only about the people that were caught up in Friday's horrific events but also what will happen in the future with aftershocks.

"I saw the news and it is very horrible and I am very sorry to everybody," said Date-Krumm who played in the last match of the evening session on Friday. "I am still in shock. I hope there isn't anything else coming."

Ayumi Morita, who lost her first-round singles match, was thinking of relatives back home. "I hope everyone is fine and safe and hope everything will get better soon," she said.