The Swedish tennis star Robin Soderling joins world No.4 Andy Murray, both players will participate in the Thailand Open this year, organisers said yesterday.
The Briton, world No.5 Robin Soderling of Sweden and world No.8 Gael Monfils from France have confirmed to take part in the US$608,500 tournament at Muang Thong Thani’s Impact Arena from Sept 24-Oct 2, said Suwat Liptapanlop, president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand.
He said the organisers were awaiting confirmation from world No.2 Novak Djokovic of Serbia who was runner-up in Bangkok in 2008.
“We are looking forward to an amazing tournament,” said Suwat who is executive chairman of the organising committee.
The tournament will be part of the celebrations of His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday.
It will be Murray’s third visit to Thailand. He was relatively unknown when he made his Bangkok debut in his rookie year in 2005.
He shot to fame after beating Soderling, Robby Ginepri and Paradorn Srichaphan on his way to his first ATP final. He was narrowly defeated by then top-ranked Roger Federer in the Bangkok final.
The Scot has since become a star and won 17 ATP titles including this week’s Aegon Championship in London.
Soderling, who last played at the Thailand Open in 2008, has been one of the hottest players this year with three titles in Brisbane, Rotterdam and Marseille.
Monfils, who will make his second trip to the Thailand Open, is enjoying his most successful year with a career high world No. 8.
Tickets starting from 300 baht will be available at Thaiticket Major outlets from next month.
