World No.1 Simona Halep is excited about her first trip to Thailand to play an exhibition tournament in Hua Hin later this month.
The Romanian, along with world No.4 Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic, No.7 Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and No.9 Johanna Konta of Britain will take part in the Intercontinental World Tennis Thailand Championship 2017 from Dec 23-24 at True Arena Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Halep, who described Thailand as a dream destination, said she is looking forward to playing given the locale and competition.
“I can’t wait to come to Thailand and play in Hua Hin,” she said, adding fans can expect to see some great tennis from four of the world’s top-10 players.
Halep was a losing finalist at this year’s French Open, won by Ostapenko. She has only won one tournament this year but has had a consistent season. She also made it to the Roland Garros final in 2014.
Former world No.1 Pliskova climbed to the top of the rankings for the first time in her career in July despite having never won a Grand Slam. She has picked up three titles this year to Konta’s two.
Ostapenko, who clinched her first tour title at Roland Garros, is also coming to the Kingdom for the first time. She is Latvia’s first-ever Grand Slam champion.
The draw will be made next Wednesday. Tickets cost 2,500 baht.