Paradorn uses US Open as tune-up for Asia events

For most of the players on the ATP Tour, the US Open signals that another long season is winding down. Not for the thai tennis ace.

For most of the players on the ATP Tour, the US Open signals that another long season is winding down.

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But for Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan the month of September means the most important part of his campaign is about to begin.

The 25-year-old Paradorn is hoping that a strong showing at Flushing Meadows will get him primed for the Asian portion of the 2004 season.

"I have been waiting all year to play in Asia, to play in my hometown Bangkok," said Paradorn, who beat Victor Hanescu, of Romania, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 on Tuesday to reach the second round of the US Open.

"I really look forward to it. Hopefully I can do well. I am going to play all of them and then I have to play another four tournaments in Europe."

Paradorn has five career ATP titles but he will be looking to add to that total next month where he is confirmed to play in Beijing, Bangkok and Tokyo.

On Tuesday against Hanescu, Paradorn fired nine aces and hit 37 winners. He converted seven of 12 break point chances.

He got off to a slow start, dropping the first set but recovered to take the next three in the two hour, four minute match.

"The first round of a tournament is always tough. But I am glad I turned it around," he said.

Paradorn is 5-4 all-time at US Open and reached a career-best fourth round in 2003.

He advances to the next round where he will face American qualifier Paul Goldstein, who beat Japan's Takao Suzuki in four sets on Tuesday.

His US Open preparation included reaching the semi-finals of the Long Island tournament last week.

But his short-lived Olympic experience wasn't so golden as he bowed out in first round at Athens, losing to Joachim Johansson of Sweden.