The former world No 9 leaves for Frankfurt tomorrow to consult a surgeon.

Paradorn's father Chanachai said the Thai star will have his right wrist examined by a specialist in Frankfurt after the result of an X-ray indicated his condition as chronic.

"He needs to have a thorough check-up before he decides whether or not to have an operation. But it looks like he is going to have one,'' said Chanachai, who will take his family including Paradorn's fiancee, former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova, to make merit at a temple in Lopburi today.

"Luckily, the injury has something to do with tendonitis, not the bone. If it was the bone, it would have been difficult,'' added Chanachai, who is also the mentor of Paradorn.

If Paradorn, who got engaged to the 2005 Miss Universe last Tuesday, has to undergo surgery, he will need a few months to recover and at least a year to resume training before returning to the circuit.

Chanachai is keeping his fingers crossed and hopes that his son will be able to maintain the form that propelled him to No 9 in the world four years ago.

"It depends on him. If he still has the desire to get back to where he was, he will make it again. It is also up to his physical condition,'' added Chanachai.

"He misses the competition so much. He really wants to compete but he is not in a position to do so,'' the father said.

Paradorn has played five matches this year but managed to post only one win. His last appearance on the ATP tour was in the Masters Series in Miami in March where he retired during the first round match against Luis Horna of Peru.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation