Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan, 23, is considered the most improved player on the ATP circuit today. From a ranking of 126 in 2001, he jumped to #16 last year, becoming the first Thai and second Asian player (after India's Vijay Amritraj in 1980) to reach the top 20. In 2002, he won two titles (Long Island and Stockholm) and reached two finals (Chennai and Washington). In the course of the year, he registered victories over six players in the top 10, including Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, Marat Safin and Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Srichaphan began last season by reaching the final of the Tata Open in Chennai, where he lost to Guillermo Canas of Argentina. He began 2003 in much the same fashion, reaching the Tata Open final, but with a vital difference. This time he won the title. So 2003 promises to be even better for him than 2002. His aim now, says Srichaphan, is to break into the top 10.

Paradorn began playing tennis at the age of six with his father Chanachai Srichaphan who quit his bank job to coach his third and youngest son. He didn't have to regret the decision for Srichaphan finished #10 in the world junior rankings in 1996 and turned professional in 1997.

Shobha Warrier met Srichaphan at the centre court at Nungambakkom Stadium on January 5, the day of the Tata Open final, after his practice session ended at 1230 IST. After the exit of top seed Canas, Srichaphan, the second seed, was the favourite, but he said he didn't feel any pressure on that score. "I am just enjoying my game," he said. Later that evening he went out and won the title in straight sets, beating 11th seed Karol Kucera. Excerpts from the interview:

You have had an amazing 2002. You jumped more than 100 places and reached the 16th rank. What do you attribute your success to?

I have been working hard. I have been concentrating on all my games, trying to win every match if I can! I have been working with my father, who is also my first coach. I think we have been working together quite well. The thing is, I believe in him. I believe he can improve my game and take me to the top 10.

Did you change any aspect of your game last year?

Yeah. I play more percentage, more balls on the court, without waiting for the other guy to make mistakes.

What is your father's contribution to your winning streak besides being your coach?

He is a great man! He is doing two jobs at the same time -- father and coach. He has done a good job. He has improved my game a lot. He would tell me what to do about my game as a coach, and he is also there for me as a father. As he travels with me all the time, I don't miss being away from the family because it is a nice feeling to have somebody from the family travelling with me. I don't feel lonely at all because of him.

How close are you to your father?

Very close. We are a very close-knit family; all of us, my father, mother and brothers. I can talk to him on anything. Like any father and son!

Why did you take up tennis as your profession? Till you took up tennis, not many in Thailand probably even knew of the game. And your hobbies are racing and kickboxing...

Racing and kickboxing are only my hobbies! I wanted to take up some sport seriously, and I chose tennis because it is a good game. It was my father who introduced me to the game. My brothers also played tennis.

Then, I had been doing well at the junior level. So I thought, why should I give it up? Now, my aim is to try and keep going.

Were you pleasantly surprised to see the kind of crowd support you have here in Chennai?

I always get good support in Asia because I am Asian, and I represent them. Who will Asians support but an Asian?

Vijay Amritraj was the first Asian to reach the top 20 on the ATP circuit. That happened in 1980, a year after you were born. Are you aware of this?

Yes, I am aware. I know I am the second Asian guy to reach the top 20. I am trying to be the first to reach the top 10!

Vijay is here as the ESPN commentator...

Vijay is a great guy! I know his son [Prakash] well.

Do you think you will need to improve your game to reach the top 10?

I will keep going like this. I will play more aggressively and cautiously too. I am a hardcourt player, and that is my favourite surface. Let's see how I perform in the Australian Open.

It was reported that you always touch the ground before you start playing...

Not always. If I have time, I do it. If not, I will not. It is okay even if I don't do it.

It was also reported that you were inspired by the pope to touch the ground.

I got this idea from the pope, but when I was young. But it is not that I have always been touching the ground before I start playing.

You are a superhero in Thailand. How do you deal with the fame and adulation?

Yes, I have lost my privacy, but it is okay. It is not like what actors face. I am after all a professional player. You feel happy when people recognise you and ask for your autograph. They always say, well done, good luck, etc. They congratulate you when you are doing well... I enjoy those moments...

How do you find Chennai?

I am glad that I have come back here, and I am looking forward to coming back again next year! I have had a great year in 2002. This year too, so far, I have been playing very well...

Photographs: Sreeram Selvaraj