23 August 2007

Half of world top 10 coming to Bangkok

Current world #9 Czech Tomas Berdych has confirmed his participation in this year’s ATP Thailand Open meaning that five of the world’s top 10 players will now be in Bangkok for the tournament.

Berdych joins world #2 Rafael Nadal, #3 Novak Djokovic, #5 Andy Roddick and #10 Tommy Haas in the event which will be held from September 22-30 at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani.

“This year’s playing field is unbelievable,” said Organizing Committee co-chairman Prasan Maleenont. “Never before have we had half of the world’s top 10 competing in the one tournament.”

The 195cm tall Berdych turned pro in 2002 and his huge serve and booming groundstrokes quickly elevated him in the world rankings. He has won three ATP Tour titles including the Masters Series event in Paris in 2005 and this year’s Halle tournament.

Still only 21 years old, Berdych is expected along with Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to be one of the biggest stars of the game over the next five years. He has beaten the best players in the world including Nadal, Roddick and Roger Federer. Berdych was the player who denied Federer the chance to win the Olympic gold medal in 2004 when he beat the Swiss world #1 in Athens.

“Berdych has a great chance of doing very well in the Thailand Open,” added Prasan. “He has an amazing game and is one of the few players who has an even win-loss ratio with Nadal.”

Tickets for the Thailand Open start at just Bt300 and are available at all Thaiticketmajor outlets and at 02 262 3456. VIP Boxes are available at 02 262 3900.