The WTA Thailand Open will return to the country's tennis calendar next year, it was announced yesterday.
The US$250,000 (approx 9,375,000 baht) tournament will be held at True Arena Hua Hin Sport Club between Jan 30-Feb 5.
The tournament, which was held twice before being called off for two years (2020-2021) due to the coronavirus pandemic, will feature some of the world's top players, said Suwat Liptapanlop, honorary president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT), during an interview yesterday.
"The organising committee has informed the WTA that we are ready to host the tournament again next year and they [WTA] are also happy with us," said Suwat.
"I believe that many world-class players will participate in the tournament because it'll be a good warm-up for the first Grand Slam of the year -- the Australian Open -- which will take place between Jan 16-29 in Melbourne.
"Also, Hua Hin is a tourist destination so it will be an attractive event for the players."
LTAT chief Suchai Pornchaisakudom added, "The LTAT is happy that the Thailand Open will return next year. This tournament will be good for the country and help stimulate our economy.
"Thai players will get wild cards to play in the event which will give them a chance to play with top-class players."