Australian Molik prepared for long haul in comeback

BANGKOK, Oct 10 (Reuters) Former world number eight Alicia Molik is prepared for the long haul as she continues her comeback from a persistent virus at the Bangkok Open this week.

A year ago, the normally upbeat Australian tearfully bade goodbye to tennis not knowing if she would return, having struggled for months to deal with vestibular neuronitis, an inner ear infection that affected her balance.

Molik returned in May, playing a 50,000 dollar event in Japan and losing in the first round to 179 ranked Casey Dellacqua.

It did not get much better and in her first 10 tournaments she won just three matches.

Recently things have improved, though, with five wins in her last two events leading into the Bangkok Open.

''I've not given myself a time frame but I'm trying to get the most out of myself every day,'' Molik said.

''I've had a lot of support from family and friends lately. At times it's tough going, tennis is a tough sport but it's great to have people around when you need them and it's also great to have people around when you need to forget about tennis.

''I've never played this game for any other reason than the enjoyment. I love it,'' she added.

''I guess a great thing is that I've been on the path that took me to the top 10 before. I know what's required, and that gives me a lot of direction, just knowing the path to take.'' Molik rose to number eight in the world on the back of tournament victories in Stockholm, Zurich and Luxembourg in 2004, followed by another title in Sydney and a run to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open early in 2005.

She was diagnosed with the ear infection after suffering dizziness and fatigue while playing in Miami in March that year.

The Australian suffered a dismal run of form with just one victory in her next nine tournaments before giving up the fight last October.

During her enforced absence, Molik helped out with junior players in Australia, commentated at the Australian Open, and took part in a television celebrity dance competition.

''I try to make the most of every day and think back to the past success,'' Molik said.

''Training and being able to do everything I need to play again is a real pleasure. Of course I'd like more wins, but that's something that's in my nature, the desire to always expect more from myself.

''That's something that was with me when I was at my peak and is still with me, the expectations and I think that's a good thing as it keeps me motivated.'' REUTERS PDS ND2022