Three-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia will lead the field when the Thailand Open makes a return to Hua Hin later this month, organisers said yesterday.
The most lucrative WTA event in Southeast Asia with a total purse of US$250,000 (9.3 million baht) will be held at True Arena Hua Hin Sport Club from Jan 31-Feb 5, Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand honorary president Suwat Liptapanlop told a press conference.
The tournament will be held for the first time after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The first two editions were won by Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine in 2019 and Magda Linettee of Poland in 2020.
"This year we have an impressive line-up which includes world No.35 Ajla Tomljanovic who reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 2021 and 2022 and the US Open in 2022," Suwat said.
"In the 2019 Thailand Open final, Tomljanovic lost to Dayana Yastremska who will also return this year.
"They will be joined by world No.46 Magda Linettee who will defend her crown and world No.71 Tatjana Maria [of Germany], a Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2022."
Asia will be represented by China's world No.49 Wang Xiyu, the former world junior No.1 who won the junior US Open title in 2018, and her compatriot Zhu Lin, ranked No.85 in the world.
Two local stars -- world No.321 Luksika Kumkhum and No.540 Chompoothip Jundakate -- have earned wildcard spots, according to Suwat.
Former world No.9 Paradorn Srichaphan is the tournament's director.
There will also be a variety of off-court activities for the players including Thai boxing and cooking.
Tickets are available at www.truearenahuahin.com. For more information, call True Arena Hua Hin at 032-909-633.