"I feel very normal," he said.

In fact, Lopez has other issues to think about. He has to focus on getting his game back on track after the worst year of his career.

Asked if he's aware he is one of the favourites among female fans due to his good looks, Lopez dismissed the idea, although he has been a model four or five times in Spain.

Lopez said he is not bothered about how he looks, and the pony-tailed star added that he now has to concentrate on finding his game. His victory with partner Marat Safin in the doubles yesterday was a good start.

Lopez said with his ranking dropping to No 80 this year, compared with No 20 in early 2005, "this is the worst year in the past five or six years, I have to improve my game".

He added that his win in the doubles yesterday had given him confidence. "It was a good win."

Lopez paired up with Marat Safin of Russia in the doubles and they defeated Michael Kohmann and Alexander Waske of Germany 6-2 6-4.

Asked the reason behind his poor ranking this season, he said: "Being fit mentally accounts for 90 per cent of the game. And when you lose confidence, it's difficult to get

it back."

He said the fact that he lost many games in a row this year affected his confidence.

Nonetheless, he said he's looking to playing local hero Paradorn Srichaphan today. Although Lopez has beaten Paradorn in all three of their previous encounters, Lopez expects a tough match against the Thai star.

"Of course, when you were able to beat him, you have the confidence. But this time, he will play at home," he said.

Lopez, who has played in the Thailand Open before, said he noticed how well the crowds treated their local star. Paradorn's ranking is now No 41.

Asked if he's worried about the political situation in Bangkok, Lopez said after he learned of the coup, he called the organisers two days later and they told him everything's fine. "I was pretty sure about coming," he said.

Lopez said he loved playing in Thailand and added that he loved Asia. He has been to Beijing, Hong Kong and many countries in the region and he loves the food.

Jeerawat na Thalang

The Nation