Pro Tennis Fan

Srichaphan #1 for Thais

No matter how badly he plays, Paradorn Srichaphan doesn't need to worry about losing his appeal among Thai fans.  After all, it's not like there are any other top Thai players to take his place.  But it's definitely a sign of how much he's struggled since his breakthrough season of 2003 when the local paper refers to how Srichaphan "has performed dismally this season" in a piece that's meant to be positive.

From The Nation: Paradorn remains popular

Although Paradorn Srichaphan has performed dismally this season, the fans are still avid in their support of Thailand’s most celebrated sports figure who’s starring in the US$550,000 Thailand Open. As rain fell, long queues formed at the bus stop to catch buses to the Muang Thong Thani arena, while those with private cars have come from all over the country even petrol is almost Bt30 a litre. Then there’s the cost of the tickets - they start at Bt500, but that doesn’t seem to be deterring people.

It’s not uncommon to chat with someone who has quietly slipped away from work for a few hours, or students who find studying Paradorn’s form is more interesting. At the front gate, spectators who weren’t able to get tickets watch the televised game on a big screen positioned in front of the stadium.

Srichaphan to Become a Monk

In Thailand it's traditional for young men to become monks for a short time.  Who knew?

From The Nation: Paradorn to become a monk

Thai tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan will leave his sport cars parked at home and forget about going out on dates at the end of the year when he becomes a Buddhist monk, a local tradition of gratitude to his parents. A tight competition schedule has kept “Super Ball” away from the temple for several years, but in November his time will come.

“It’s been my intention to be ordained. My schedule is fine this year so I plan to do it for one week at the Thung Setthi Temple, which is near my place,” Paradorn said. Most Thai men, before the age of 25, become monks for a brief period, which is seen as lucky for their families. But one big question remains - during the traditional parade around the chapel, one of the ordination rituals, which lucky girl will be selected to carry a pillow for the tennis star? According to tradition, the woman given the duty is considered the future wife of the ordained man.

Srichaphan Injury

From the Bangkok Post: Injured Paradorn withdraws from doubles

Thailand tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan has withdrawn from the doubles in the China Open and returned home due to a heel injury...

"Paradorn has got a heel injury but it is not too serious," said Thanakorn. "We just don't want to take any risks, especially with the Thailand Open coming up."

Thanakorn said that Paradorn desperately wanted to play in the Thailand Open. "If he takes a fews days' rest, I think he will be okay," he said.

It's a safe bet that even if Srichaphan has to play on one foot, he'll play the Thailand Open.

Paradorn Srichaphan Videoclip

This week's play of the week on the ATP site has a point between Paradorn Srichaphan and Cyril Saulnier from their first round match in Monte Carlo.  Nice point for Srichaphan but considering the way he plays on clay, it might be the highlight of his clay-court season.  As it was, Saulnier won the match 6-2, 6-4.  Also, note the empty stands - too bad. Saulnier's no exciting up-and-comer, but he is French.  You'd think someone in Monte Carlo would want to see him play.  Maybe Gasquet or Monfils were playing at the same time.