No matter what people said about Paradorn's series of dismal results, big brother Thanakorn, who replaced father Thanachai as a coach, never stopped believing in his younger brother's abilities.

His faith is paying dividends with the Thai star now regaining the form that left him in 2002.

The ripples Paradorn caused in the Pacific Life Open, which include a win over world No 4 David Nalbandian and a super-duper performance against Jarkko Nieminen yesterday confirmed Thanakorn's belief that the Thai has the tactical nous to go back on top.

"Although he has had some poor results over the past few months, we never gave up. We still believe that with patience everything will come together. The time has come,'' said Thanakorn.

The country's former No 1 player, who took over the coaching job from his father last year, has encouraged his brother to surge to the net more rather than settle at the baseline, Thanakorn, however, revealed he did not influence Paradorn's game plan much. Delivering moral support and fraternal love is what he focuses upon.

"My brother is a good player, so I think he can figure out by himself how to handle his opponents. I'm just supportive no matter what the results are. It's love and understanding from family that means something to him,'' said Thanakorn, who is "Berm" to his friends.

He said he was overwhelmed to see his youngest brother discover the benefit of patience on court, which had always been missing in his game.

"It's easy to tell him what to do, but it's difficult for him to apply it. Yet once he can keep his cool on court, he realises himself how good it is for his game. That's why you see him do the meditation on court after a match,'' he said.

Four wins over four seeded players and a match against Roger Federer in the Master Series semi-final is too much to ask from big bro. No matter what the result is on Sunday morning, there will be no regrets in the Srichaphan camp.

"There's nothing to lose now. It's not every day you have the chance to play the world No 1. This is what we have been waiting three long years for since the Thailand Open," said the coach, who despite projecting Federer as the favourite holding all the aces, still noticed a loophole in the almost flawless player.

"If Paradorn keeps him off balance by attacking him fast, he stands a chance. My brother has the power that can intimidate anyone. With the level of tennis he is playing and the confidence he has, the pressure will be on Federer,'' Thanakorn said.

Paradorn is 0-2 against the Swiss. The last time they played, Paradorn took his high-profile opponent to three sets, losing 5-7 6-2 3-6.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation