Article

  • Paradorn Srichaphan to make last-chance return for Davis Cup in Australia

    3/27/08 9:09 AM | Mattias Yrgård
    - The last-chance return to tennis of Paradorn Srichaphan may make the Davis Cup task of Australia a bit tougher when the nations meet in three weeks in an Asian zonal tie.

    The April 11-13 throwdown in Townsville will be the test of fire for former top Thai Paradorn Srichaphan, who has not played in a year after a wrist injury and ensuing surgery.

    But the 28-year-old has now been included on the side which will travel to Queensland in hopes of derailing Australian chances of returning to the World Group. Paradorn, a one-time world No. 9, last competed a year ago in Miami, losing in the first round and realising he had to cure his right wrist problem.

    Australian captain John Fitzgerald will now have one more problem to puzzle through on his team which is led - again - by Lleyton Hewitt with backup from No. 68 Chris Guccione.

    “It creates interest in the tie, doesn't it?,” said the Aussie skipper. I think they've maybe made bookings for him but I don't know if he'll come.“

    Paradorn now vows to give his return a final push before eventual retirement as a national sporting hero at home with a former beauty pageant queen Russian-Canadian wife.

    He will benefit from an injury-protected ranking of 75, which will allow him to enter nine ATP events.

    ”To be back in the top 50 will not be easy as I'm a senior player now, and there are many new guys who are only 18-19.“

Tell a friend »

Comments


Write comment

You have to be logged in to comment. If you do not have an account, click here to register. It only takes a minute and you'll be redirected back to this page.
Username:

Password: