Former No. 9-ranked Paradorn Srichaphan delays comeback again while denying his career is over

Paradorn delays comeback, denies he is retired

BANGKOK — Former No. 9-ranked Paradorn Srichaphan has denied he is effectively retired from tennis, but has delayed his comeback again.

The 30-year-old Thai hasn’t played on the ATP Tour since March 2007 due to a wrist injury.

“I’m not going to quit. I just want to be back when I’m really ready,” said Paradorn, who had operations on the wrist in Los Angeles in 2007 and Bangkok this year.

He originally planned a return to the circuit last year, then postponed it to his home Thailand Open this September, but now said a 2010 return was just as likely.

“My wrist is getting better but not good enough to let me hit like I used to. I wanted to come back in the Thailand Open but at this stage the chance to play any match this year is 50 percent.”

Despite his long absence from the tour and passing 30 years old, Paradorn still believes he could make a successful return.

“Age is nothing but a number. I have a protected ranking (top 80) and can use it anytime.”

Married to former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova, Paradorn had spent his time away from the tour motorcycling, appearing on a Thai sports TV show and most recently opening an Italian cuisine restaurant, creating the impression that his life after tennis had already begun.

Paradorn was the first player born in Asia to reach the world’s top 10. He won 5 career titles, the last one in Nottingham in 2004.