Santoro signals end may be near

French veteran Fabrice Santoro said Wednesday he would cut back his playing schedule for 2009 after a first-round drubbing at the Thailand Open, signalling that retirement may not be far off.

The 35-year-old, known as "The Magician" for his fast racket hands and shot-making capabilities, lost to unsung 22-year-old Viktor Troicki of Serbia 7-6 (7/4), 6-2.

"I've not set my schedule for 2009," Santoro said after the loss, his third consecutive first-round send-off.

"I will play some events, but it's getting tougher and tougher to play." The French Davis Cup stalwart, now ranked 63rd in the world after reaching a career high 17 in 2001, told reporters: "Playing the matches is not tough - it's the training, the travelling, I want to spend time with my daughter."

Santoro said he is mulling a return to France after living for six years in Switzerland, considered a tax haven for European athletes, as his daughter attends school in Paris.

"It's better to be close to her," said Santoro, who won his last title on grass in Newport in July.

Santoro had his chances against Troicki. He had a set point in the 10th game against the Serb but was unable to capitalise.

"I felt good at the start and think I played better than him in the first set," said Santoro.

BANGKOK, Monday (AFP)