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7/16/08 5:44 PM | Ricky Dimon
Novak Djokovic will make his apologies for last year's late pullout by playing as top seed in September at the Thailand Open. The No. 3 Serb will head a field which also includes two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin and Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
But the home public will be awaiting the proposed return to tennis after 18 months away of former top Thai Paradorn Srichaphan, who since last playing in early 2007 has had wrist surgery and married a former Miss Universe.
“I long for that feeling where I walk onto the tennis court surrounded by Thais”, Paradorn, 29, told local media.
The September 22-28 tournament at the Impact arena was inspired by Paradorn, playing at the height of his powers in 2003. But after titles by Roger Federer in 2004 and 2005, the event has lost some lustre.
Djokovic is sure to front up after his no-show of last year. The Serb played as a raw teenager in 2004, losing in the first round and has not been back since. “I still remember my previous trip to Bangkok, when I was 17 year and ranked 248 in the world”, said the reigning Australian Open winner.
“It was only my third ATP Tour event. I'm looking to playing in the tournament again this year”.
Safin has twice played Bangkok, reaching the semis in 2004 and 2006. Tsonga, who lost to Djokovic in the Melbourne Grand Slam final in January, will make his Bangkok debut.
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