Thai cure for Paradorn

Paradorn Srichaphan has turned to a local remedy as he attempts to recover from a nagging wrist injury in time for the Thailand Open in September.

The former world No 9, who has been sidelined from competitive tennis since March because of tendonitis in his right wrist, is now undergoing traditional Thai massage in his family's home town of Khon Kaen.

"I'm visiting relatives in Khon Kaen, so I am taking the opportunity to receive massage. My condition is getting better and better but it still needs more time to cure,'' said Paradorn, whose world ranking slipped to No 84 this week.

Paradorn sustained the injury last year during the American hard-court season but shied away from having serious treatment. He continued playing until March and managed to win just one out of six matches this year.

He underwent ultrasound treatment in Bangkok and refused to seek surgery. But after no sign of improvement, he flew to meet a specialist in Germany and was relieved to learn that his condition was not so severe that it required an operation.

He was advised to return to Thailand and stick with the ultrasound treatment before returning to Germany to have his condition examined. Now he is hoping massage will speed his recovery.

The winner of five ATP trophies has yet to specify a return date but he would love to be fit in time for the Thailand Open at the Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani at the end of September.

But Paradorn has not shut himself out of the tour completely. He and fiancee Natalie Glebova have a plan to go to Canada and might attend some events during the hard-court season in the United States. "I may go to watch some matches in the US. I really miss the game," he said.