Serena, Vika to compete in Thailand

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The Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand under the patronage of His Majesty the King and the city of Hua Hin have invited world #1 Victoria Azarenka and 15-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams to take part in this year’s Hua Hin World Tennis Invitation, to be held at Centennial Park, Hua Hin on Saturday 29 December. 

Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams have been the most dominant players in women’s tennis this year.  Azarenka is ranked #1 and has won 14 titles overall, with six just this year in an amazing 2012 that included her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

Suwat Lipatapanlop, President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, addresses a press conference to announce the end of year challenge match between Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka. Suwat Lipatapanlop, President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, addresses a press conference to announce the end of year challenge match between Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka.

Serena Williams has won an astonishing 45 singles titles including 15 Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold.  She also has 12 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Grand Slam mixed doubles titles.  Serena has won six titles in 2012 including Wimbledon, the US Open and the Olympic Games.

Victoria and Serena have played one another five times in 2012 – in the semi-finals at Wimbledon and the Olympics, the finals in Madrid and the US Open, at the WTA Championships in Istanbul last week.  Serena won all five matches but was pushed to the limit in a tight match in Istanbul and at the US Open final, where she won 7-5 in a thrilling third set.

President of the Lawn Tennis Association, Suwat Lipatapanlop said he was delighted that the two tennis superstars had chosen to start their new year in Thailand.

“Victoria and Serena are the biggest names in women’s tennis.  We are absolutely delighted to welcome Vika back to Thailand again this year.  She won the hearts of everyone who saw her last year.  And it is a real pleasure to welcome Serena for the first time.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Thai fans have been able to watch Serena play,” Suwat added.

Tickets for the Hua Hin World Tennis Invitation are THB 1,500 and go on sale at all Thaiticketmajor outlets and Major Hua Hin from Saturday, 3 November.