Bangkok, September 27: Thai Paradorn Srichaphan will make his long- awaited return to tennis Monday at the Thailand Open after last hitting a ball on the ATP more than two years ago. The 30-year-old, formerly Asia’s top player, has not made a competitive start since March 2007 due to a wrist injury.
His return at the Impact arena will be low-key in a doubles pairing with Davis Cup teammate Danai Udomchoke as a wild-card entry.
Paradorn, who has branched out into motorcycle racing and is still regarded as one of Thailand’s top celebrities, looks set to fulfill his promise to return at the home event.
“I wanted to come back by using the Thailand Open as my tournament. I’m not fit enough for the singles,” he said.
The comeback had originally been set for 2008 but failed to materialize after wrist operations in 2007 in Los Angeles and this year in Bangkok.
The former top Thai owns five ATP titles, the last earned five years ago in Nottingham.
–Agencies