Sport
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Tennis
The pathbreaking Thai
By K. Keerthivasan
Paradorn Srichaphan... has had a perfect start to the year.
CHENNAI, JAN. 3. Thailand is better known as a fabulous tourist destination and for its exotic culinary delights. And to some extent boxing, which we have seen in some films, and of course golf.
But tennis? Don't think hard for the answer is here in the form of Paradorn Srichaphan. The 22-year old Asian champion has been making waves in the Tata Open. He has reached the quarterfinals, ousting the big-serving Max Mirnyi and last year's finalist Andrei Stoliarov. Undoubtedly, it has been a good year to start with for Srichaphan. ``I'm really happy about it, he said, on his performance so far.''
It was a lucky break for him as he came in as an alternative for the Russian Vladimir Voltchkov, who withdrew at the last minute. He was also given a wildcard for the Australian Open for winning the Asian championship at Bangkok. He was given a wildcard for Wimbledon as a lucky loser in 2001.
In fact, Srichaphan was playing in Satellite and Futures tournaments before coming here. He also won a Futures tournament at Mumbai three years ago. He considers his win against Magnus Norman in a tournament at Singapore as his best.
Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi have been a great influence on him, not just because of their doubles exploits, but also because of the fact that very few Asians compete at the highest level. ``You know Leander is like my elder brother, my good friend. I look up to him. What they have done is great for Asian tennis. But I don't know why Asian players are not really coming up there. You've got to travel a lot. When you go out and play there, you are nobody. I guess if the player wants to be there, he should have that drive. They should be determined to hang in there, I think Asians can make it,'' said Srichaphan to The Hindu.
The Thai feels elated to have got a wildcard for the Australian Open. Its tough there, lot of heat but I hope to do well. He recollects `the New Balls Please' campaign with not so much happiness, for he did not live up to the expectations bestowed upon him. ``I struggled for years. I won some matches, lost some. I did not play consistently.''
He dosen't forget to mention the role his father-cum- coach Chanachai Srichaphan has played in moulding him into a player of some stature. I think it works to stick with one coach. My father has been with me since I was a kid. It is not going to work if after five years you change a coach.''
The No. 1 Thai player has made a perfect start for the year and he can even go on to win the championship. He will then probably trigger a revolution in Thailand.
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