It doesn’t matter that Andy Murray, the world’s number three player, has pulled out. It doesn’t matter that Bangkok is experiencing rainfall that feels like it will never end, and that the city could be hit by floods that would make Noah wince. The Thailand Open is still on for tomorrow and as the late great Freddie Mercury sung, “the show must go on.”
For those tennis fans still equivocating about whether they should attend, Coconuts has put together six reasons why you should brave the rain and visit the Thailand Open.
1. Richard Gasquet will return to defend the title he won 6-2 6-1 against Gilles Simon in last year’s all-French final. Earlier this month Gasquet reached the semifinals of the US Open only to lose in three sets to Rafael Nadal.
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2. Three of the world’s top 11 players will be at the tournament. World number five Tomas Berdych, world number nine Richard Gasquet and world number 11 Milos Raonic.
Berdych beat Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals at Rome earlier this year and he helped the Czech Republic reach the Davis Cup final for the second straight year after a 3-2 victory over Argentina. Raonic will be hoping to gain revenge on Gasquet who knocked him out of the US Open fourth round.
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3. The tournament will give tennis fans the chance to watch 18-year-old Thai star Wishaya ‘Junior’ Trongcharoenchaikul. Wishaya made his Davis Cup debut for Thailand in April this year and big things are expected from the 6’2 youngster.
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4. If you are desperate for a Murray fix, fear not. Andy’s brother Jamie will be competing in the doubles tournament. The 2007 Wimbledon mixed doubles champion will be partnered with Australian John Peers. The pair are currently ranked number 16 on the ATP Doubles Team Ranking.
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5. While ladies have the opportunity to check out the sport’s hunks smash balls across the court, what is there for the red blooded male? Tomas Berdych’s girlfriend Ester Satorova is a model, and, we can confirm she is incredibly pleasing to the eye. “Follow” Berdych’s matches and pray that she is in the crowd.
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6. Last but not least, the Thailand Open is played indoors at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani. What better way to escape the rain than to watch top tennis action all day.
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The Thailand Open runs from Sept. 21 to 29 at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, and tickets are still available.
Photo: Thailand Open
