Nadal to play Thailand tennis open

Spanish world number one Rafael Nadal will make his debut at the Thailand Open in September, the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) announced Thursday.

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves at the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, April 25. Nadal will make his debut at the Thailand Open in September, the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) announced

The sporting body said the six-times Grand Slam Champion would be joined by reigning tournament champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga competing for the top prize of 608,500 dollars.

"I am very pleased to finally be able to come and compete at the PTT Thailand Open. I look forward to playing some great tennis for all the Thai fans," Nadal said in a press release.

LTAT president Suwat Lipatapanlop said he hoped Nadal's fame would help bring attention to the Thai competition and boost the country's ailing economy.

"I hope that hosting a tennis tournament with a superstar will bring confidence to both fans and investors," Suwat told a news conference.

The Thailand Open will be held from September 26 until October 4 in the suburbs of Bangkok.

Remaining players for the 32-player draw will be announced in the next couple of months, the LTAT said.