Bangkok, Sept 19: Asia's top tennis player Paradorn Srichapan is preparing to play in his first major tournament in his native Thailand. Srichapan, who reached the last 16 at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, said it was his dream to have an ATP tournament in Thailand, and now it's coming true in Bangkok between September 20 and 29. He says he is now looking to do well enough in the six remaining ATP tournaments this year to make it into the top eight and play in the the year-end Tennis Masters Cup in Houston, Texas. Srichapan, 24, who is coached by his father Chanachai, said : "He's the one who got me here, and he is the first coach. I think he's doing great with his son and also my brothers also give me good advices good practicing partner and my brothers start to travel with me now which is really helpful, I still happy with my dad which is my coach and we etter keep it going. Dad and son -- sometimes we just look at each other in the eyes and I know what he's thinking and he knows what I'm thinking."

Paradorn, who became a poster pin-up across Asia as he climbed to 11th in the world rankings from 120 less than two years ago, dismissed suggestions he needs to hire a recognised professional coach to reach the pinnacle of world tennis.


" It's nice to hear a lot of people are following my results, " he added " and cheering for me every time I play a match, especially for Thai people and Asian tennis, because I think it's great to have Asian player doing well in the tour."


The mental side of Paradorn's game is now his priority. Paradorn, who is a Buddhist, said meditation every night helps him sleep and concentrate better.

"My parents always say, if you tire your body's tired but you're mind still keeps going, and fighting and you can make it back, You really need it in your life and you really need it the sport that you play which is tennis."


Bureau Report