Two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova has become a late entry at the Pattaya Open, organisers said yesterday.
Svetlana Kuznetsova
The 28-year-old Russia, who won the 2004 US Open and the 2009 French Open, rose to No.2 in the world in 2007 but her progress was plagued by an injury for much of the 2012 season.
Kuznetsova had a creditable 2013 season reaching the semi-finals in Moscow and the quarter-finals at both the Australian Open and the French Open.
The Pattaya organisers also confirmed the participation of four young players: Thailand's Luksika Kumkhum, Spain's Garbine Muguraza and Croatia's Ajla Tomljanovic and Donna Vekic. World No.88 Luksika, 20, upset sixth seed Petra Kvitova in the first round at the Australian Open.
Muguraza, also 20, has climbed to No.38 in the world after winning in Hobart. She reached the fourth round at the Australian Open where her victims included Caroline Wozniacki.
The Pattaya Open will be held at the Dusit Thani from Jan 26-Feb 2. Tickets starting from 300 baht are available at Thai Ticket Major, call 02-262-3456 or go to thaiticketmajor.com