Hua Hin: Four of the world's top players got to experience a bit of Thainess before taking to the court at the World Tennis Thailand Championship at True Arena (Hua Hin Centennial Club) yesterday.
Angelique Kerber gives alms to monks.
World No.5 Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland, American No.7 Venus Williams, No.10 Angelique Kerber of Germany and No.20 Sara Errani of Italy all took part in several activities, including giving alms to monks on the beach at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, learning to make world-renowned Thai dishes and even managed to include a little shopping into their tight schedule.
Suwat Liptapanlop, president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT), said: "Giving alms to monks during the New Year has been a tradition for the players taking part in the tournament [World Tennis Thailand Championship] for many years now. They are all happy to be a part of such a lovely Thai tradition."
After short practice sessions, in which the players left a big impression on their hitting partners, including Thai junior players Pattanapong Borisuthipong, Patcharapol Kawin and Nawakarn Khunjan, they all attended a Thai cooking class where they made Tom Yum Kung and Pad Thai. They then went on a shopping spree at Hua Hin Batik where they bought several souvenirs.
"I am very happy and proud to be a hitting partner for Kerber," said Pattanapong. "She's got very good and strong groundstrokes, and plays with so much consistency.
"This is a very good experience for me. I will take the things I've learned today and improve my own game."
Patcharapol and Nawakarn, who were hitting partners for seven-time Grand Slam winner Williams, echoed Pattanapong's sentiments: "We are happy to be chosen as hitting partners for Venus. She hardly made any unforced errors. Every shot is very accurate. She was very professional even during training."
Radwanska was scheduled to face Kerber while Williams was due to meet Errani later in the evening with the winners meeting in the final today.
Meanwhile Frenchman Gael Monfils has pulled out of the Hopman Cup in Western Australia with a leg injury.
Monfils, the World No.24, will be replaced by fellow Frenchman Kenny de Schepper in the tournament from Jan 3-9 ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open in Melbourne.
"I was really looking forward to travelling to Perth for the first time and teaming up with Caroline Garcia," 29-year-old Monfils said in a statement about the mixed team tournament, according to the Australian Associated Press.
World No.1 Serena Williams, the Australian Open defending champion, and world No.2 Andy Murray, the Open men's runner-up, start their 2016 seasons at the Hopman Cup.
Agnieszka Radwanska enjoys some Thai cooking.