Paradorn covets home victory more than grand slam title

BANGKOK, Sep 28 (Reuters) Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan says winning an ATP title on home soil would mean more to him than claiming a grand slam tournament.

Paradorn, who enjoys a celebrity status in his country, said winning this week's Thailand Open would be a dream come true and far better than the U.S. Open or Wimbledon titles.

''It's been my dream to win in Thailand,'' he told reporters.

''For me, to win here would be better than winning any grand slam event.

''For other players, it's the French, U.S. or Australian Open, but for me, it's here.'' The 27-year-old, who hails from Thailand's impoverished northeast, has come close twice before after reaching the semi finals of the last two tournaments in Bangkok, where he lost to world number one Roger Federer and Briton Andy Murray.

Although he has failed to climb back into the world top 10, Paradorn's popularity at home has never faded, and his success on the world stage has transformed tennis from a little-known pastime to one of Thailand's most popular sports.

Although he spends most of his time abroad, Paradorn has stayed in touch with his roots, never forgetting to put his palms together and give a traditional Thai ''wai'' greeting to the crowd after matches.

He became a Buddhist monk this year, shaved his head and spent a week meditating in a temple, which he said helped him to control his emotions while on court.

Like most Thais, he has been celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of his country's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej and says a win on Sunday would be the perfect tribute to the 78-year-old monarch.

''I'd love to win this tournament, especially this year,'' said Paradorn, who is this week playing in a shirt with ''Love King'' written across the back.

''I have a lot of support when I play here and there's a great energy on this court.'' ''There are some big names here, but there's a good chance for me to win this time as I've made the semis twice before,'' he added.

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