Agencies reported that the Thai would take time off from tennis for two months to seek treatment from a specialist based in Munich. "I don't need to rest that long," Paradorn said in a telephone interview, denying the report. "It's my body so I know the condition better than others. It's not necessary to stop playing for such a long time and I don't need anybody else to tell me."

Father Chanachai said it was true that his son had suggested an expert in Munich and would decide the course of the treatment after the player returns this week. The father also pooh-poohed reports about taking a two-month break.

"Paradorn told me that the treatment in Munich would take only three days. We are likely to try it out. The rehabilitation will be at home. It cannot take more than a month or so to heal," Chanachai said.

Reflecting on his defeat, Paradorn said, "You can't just play with the heart, you've got to play with your body.

"I had no confidence in it today, but for the last three or four days I've just kept hitting less than an hour a day just to make sure that I can play the opening round here.

"I was just hoping that it wouldn't get worse, and it's not allowing me to play the game that I can really play."

Paradorn said his early exit at the year's first Grand Slam event made him realise that he had to act to get it better.

"It's the right time to make a decision. I've thought about it and I want to play another four or five years and not just the next 10 tournaments," he said.

"I have heard of so many examples of other players with this injury who have had to take a long break.

"So finally I have to face it and I have to deal with it."