Three of the world’s top 10 tennis players have already confirmed their participation in the PTT Thailand Open 2011.
World #4 Andy Murray, World #5 Robin Soderling and World #8 Gael Monfils are the first players to confirm they will be competing for the $608,500 prize money at the tournament which will be held at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani from 24 September to 2 October.
Andy Murray is the 2011 Australian Open runner up and this past Monday won the first grass court event of the year, defeating Andy Roddick and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on his way to the title in London. Murray’s appearance in Bangkok will be his third visit to the PTT Thailand Open, and his first since 2006. Since his first visit to Bangkok, Murray has become of the world’s most accomplished players, establishing himself at the top of the game and winning 17 ATP Tour titles.
Swede Robin Soderling last appeared at the Thailand Open in 2008. Prior to that he appeared in 2005 when he lost to Murray in the Scot’s surprise run to the final. Since then, Soderling has become one of the game’s most dominant players following his breakout year in 2009 during which he inflicted Rafael Nadal’s only defeat at the French Open. Soderling is enjoying a great 2011 and has already won three titles: in Brisbane, Rotterdam and Marseille.
Gael Monfils is also enjoying his most successful year on the ATP Tour. His current ranking of #8 is a career high for the electrifying Frenchman. Monfils will be making his second appearance at the PTT Thailand Open after making the semi finals in 2008. On that visit, his exciting play and charismatic personality won him a legion of Thai fans who will be sure to take this opportunity to see the French star in action once again.
“We are looking forward to an amazing tournament at the PTT Thailand Open 2011,” said Executive Committee Chairman, Mr. Suwat Lipatapanlop. “We will be announcing more exciting players to compete in the event in the near future. I am confident that this year’s tournament will be the biggest and best ever.”
Tickets for the PTT Thailand Open will go on sale through all Thaiticketmajor outlets in July and start at just Bt300. Call 02 262 3838 or log on to www.pttthailandopen.org or www.thaiticketmajor.com for more details.
