Our tennis champ's a world-class haggler too

She fixes her hair into the chic, slightly highlighted Korean do that's so popular with teenagers and fires up her iPhone 3G.

And then she goes shopping.

On weekdays the Chiang Mai native explores the clothing stalls around the neighbourhood where she now lives, in Bangkok's Pratunam district, and on weekends she heads downtown.

But most often she ends up back in Pratunam, at the fashion market Water Gate.

Her closet is packed, not just with casual wear and accessories but evening gowns too.

"I love to buy stuff, even if I'm not sure I'll wear it," Noppawan says. "It's a girl thing!"

But she does have a grip on her money: It only comes out of her purse when the best possible deal is secured.

"I love to bargain. It would be weird if I went with the first quote. I keep the price as low as I can. Sometimes I don't even expect a 'yes', but most of the time the vendors will give in,'' says the 17-year-old, who admits she's hoping her new celebrity status will garner even more special prices.

In Bangkok Noppawan lives with her benefactor, Chaiyapak Siriwat, and the Siriwat girls take turns assisting her in getting the look she wants for evenings out.

"My youngest daughter polishes and paints her nails,'' says Nuaruemon, Chaiyapak's wife and Nokky's personal manager.

"Sometimes they set up a spa at home. The girls are all really concerned about their looks."

Although she has "a passion for flashing", Noppawan doesn't lead a lavish lifestyle. Once in a while she'll blow a bundle on a Louis Vuitton bag or an iPhone, but most of the time she shops economically.

That might explain the several million baht she reportedly has in the bank, a rare circumstance for junior tennis players.

"I might like shopping, but I know how to use my money. That's why I always bargain!" she giggles.

The question inevitably arises: Is she going to combine her love for fashion and tennis?

Noppawan says she does dream of one day designing her own outfits to wear on court, a self-styling approach pioneered by Grand Slam champs Venus and Serena Williams.

"But I have to make sure I look good in whatever I design."

Ensuring success is, of course, what she strives for on court as well. With two-fisted groundstrokes on both sides, she can hit the ball all day while American coach Chuck Kriese looks on.

Noppawan aimed to emulate Monica Seles, the only double-grip player who's made it to world No 1.

"My dream is to be in the top 10 and one day hold the Wimbledon women's singles trophy," she says.

"But I'll take it one step at a time - I don't want to rush. I believe if I give it my all, I'll reach my goal."