Farewell to Thailand Open

Farewell to Thailand Open

Thailand Open organisers have confirmed the demise of the ATP tournament, one of the country's most illustrious sporting events.

"It's mixed emotions that we have to say farewell to the Thailand Open," said BEC-Tero managing director Brian L Marcar.

"We were privileged to have seen greatest players of this generation competing here in Bangkok _ [Roger] Federer, [Rafael] Nadal, [Novak] Djokovic and [Andy] Murray.

"I'd like to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who supported the event."

The firm will now look for opportunities to organise invitational matches featuring big-name stars.

Launched in 2003, the tournament also welcomed other class players including Marat Safin, Andy Roddick, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet, Gilles Simon and Paradorn Srichaphan. Thailand's slot has been given to China which will stage the Shenzhen Open in September next year.

ATP tournament director Allon Khakshouri said: "I'd like to thank BEC-Tero, the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, sponsors and fans for making the Thailand Open a success.

"The entire tennis world will miss the warm and friendly Thai hospitality."

The Thailand Open became a big hit when it was introduced in 2003 with American Taylor Dent winning the inaugural tournament.

However, in its final years, the organisers struggled to bring top stars to the tournament. Murray pulled out from this year's tournament due to injury.

Canada's Milos Raonic was the Thailand Open's last champion after beating Czech Tomas Berdych in this year's final in September.

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