Danai clears first hurdle to Wimbledon

Ranked 241 in the world and turning 32 in August, the country’s No 1 had to summon all his experience to outlast a 250th-ranked opponent, 11 years his junior, 6-1 5-7 12-10 for a second-round date with Japanese Go Soeda.

Once a top-100 player, Danai rediscovered the quick-thinking and swift counter-punches he once used to upset big names like Lleyton Hewitt of Australia and Tommy Haas. Afterwards, he admitted that catching up with the young players today was a daunting task.

“The competition is a lot tougher these days. The game is now a lot faster than in the past. Also, I am slower than I once was, which makes it tougher,” said Danai, who survived a match point at 6-7 in the decisive set on his way to a win over the 2010 junior Wimbledon champion.

“He served really well. Luckily he was limited to hitting slices on the backhand as he had an injury on his little finger, otherwise he would have given me a tougher match. However, his slice worked well on grass. I had difficulty breaking him until the 21st game of the third set,” added the Thai, who was worried about blisters he suffered on his right foot.

“I’m feeling pain when I put on shoes. [The blisters] will give me some difficulties in the match against Go,” said Danai, who was to play the Japanese No 2 late last night, Thailand time, for a place in the final round. 

New father Danai said it wasn’t easy to be away from his three-month-old baby Porto and wife Charinthorn, but the thought of his son was keeping his spirits high.

“I miss him so much. I call home and talk to him via Skype every day. I wish I could be with him at home.”

Seven Thais are in action at Wimbledon but only doubles team Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana are entered in the main draw. Lucksika Kumkhum, Tamarine Tanasugarn, Nudnida Luangnam and Varatchaya Wongteanchai are in women’s singles qualifying.