Thailand heaps praise on native tennis son
Agence France-Presse, Bangkok
Thai tennis sensation Paradorn Srichaphan returned home to a hero's welcome Monday, having cracked the world's top 20 and given number-one Lleyton Hewitt a run for his money in a stellar Paris semi-final.
Thailand's favorite son was feted at Don Muang International Airport where he was mobbed by family members, friends and fans who see him as Asia's top ambassador in the sport.
"It's been a good year for me," the 23-year-old beamed amid hugs from relatives and flashes of papparazzi cameras.
"I've worked very hard to complete this success and I've finished the year in the top 20. I've made the Thai people happy."
If Paradorn is able to edge ahead into the top 15 -- the new goal he has set himself -- he would surpass the 16th position claimed by India's Vijay Amritraj in 1980 and become the highest- ranked Asian player of all time.
But the likeable star says he will try not to let the sudden rush of fame and success go to his head.
"Nothing will change," he said. "I do this job for myself, for the Thai people and for the country's sports reputation."
The Thai ace has nonetheless lit a spark in the tennis world, said Sathien Mongkhongtham, vice president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand.
In addition to his thrilling baseline play and booming serve, it is his grace, charm and respect -- he bows in traditional Thai style with palms pressed together after every match -- that has earned accolades.
"People appreciate his personality on the court. Now he is very popular, in Thailand and around the world," Sathien told AFP.
Youngsters seek his autograph, strangers at shopping malls praise his game, and mothers point him out to their children.
The attention is nothing new to Paradorn, who comes from Thailand's most famous tennis family. Like him, his two brothers have also played on the kingdom's Davis Cup squad, which this year won a berth in the world qualifiers for the first time.
Ranked a lowly 126th one year ago, the Thai tiger has proven to be red-hot in 2002.
He scalped legendary Andre Agassi at Wimbledon in straight sets, then went on to trounce top players Marat Safin, Marcelo Rios, Lleyton Hewitt, Tim Henman and Gustavo Keurten on his way to winning his first two ATP tournaments in as many months.
"He can beat every player at the top level now," Sathien said.
He faced off against Hewitt again last weekend, pushing him to the brink in a titanic semifinals tussle in the Paris Master Series.
Authorities are recognizing the Paradorn potential. On Thursday he and his father-coach Chanachai are to be appointed as cultural ambassadors for Thailand and honored with red diplomatic passports, the government announced.
Deputy prime minister Korn Dabbaransi said the pair would also receive 3.0 million baht (US$69,280) worth of free travel on national carrier Thai Airways over the next 12 months.
What's next for Thailand's latest hero?
"I need a rest. I have to take a break to refresh my body," said Paradorn, who played a draining 29 tournaments this year. "If I perform well, I'll try to reach the top 10."