Rafa and Novak a hit with PM

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal found Prime Minister Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha a genial host yesterday as the tennis stars immersed themselves in Thai culture with a tour of Bangkok attractions ahead of their evening showdown.

World No 1 Djokovic and 14-time Grand Slam winner Nadal stopped by at Government House yesterday morning to pay a visit to the Thai premier, right after their trip to the Grand Palace, where they signed a book of well-wishes for His Majesty the King.

Deputy Government Spokesman Major-General Weerachon Sukhonthapatipak later quoted Prayut as saying, “Their visit to Thailand will help boost confidence in Thai tourism.” 

That confidence was shaken by a bomb attack in central Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong shopping district that claimed the lives of 20 people and injured over 100, many of them tourists.

Prayut also demonstrated his knowledge of tennis, congratulating Djokovic for winning the US Open and Nadal for winning 14 Grand Slams. He also wished Nadal well in his recovery from an injury and said he hoped both would win more titles.

Both Novak and Nadal showed up in traditional Thai silk shirts, Djokovic’s  a golden colour and Nadal’s light blue. They then set off on their morning itinerary prior to their “Back to Thailand Nadal vs Djokovic” tennis match due at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium last night.

The prime minister led them on a tour to a small market near Government House, trailing an entourage of journalists more used to the political beat. “So now all of you have abandoned your interest in me?” quipped the PM.

As they strolled by an OTOP shop, Prayut paused to pick up local hand-woven bags for the two tennis stars. Then a vendor handed the premier and his guests amulets made of Siamese ruby.

 Djokovic and Nadal also took time to sign an instrument at a guitar shop owned by musician Kitti Guitar Gun. The guitarist was quick to say the instrument was no longer for sale and would be kept as a memento.

Later, the world No 1 and his Spanish rival also defied a sudden thunderstorm to present flowers at the Erawan Shrine, site of last month’s bombing.

Then came a practise session, where national players Pruchya Isarow, Puriwat Chatpatcharoen, Nattanon Kadchapanan and Phassawit Burapharitta got the chance to hit with the two legends. Rising star Puriwat used the opportunity to study Djokovic’s game.

“It was brief, but I learned a lot from him. His stroke is so clean and powerful and his movement is so rapid. I’ve wanted to be like him since the moment he walked on a court,” said the country’s No 3.

Pruchya was thrilled to meet Djokovic, who was his idol growing up.

“I learned so many techniques from him, even when he was warming up. His groundstrokes were world class. I want to follow in his footsteps,” said the Thai No 2.

Just prior to the main event, fans were given a special treat with the farewell match of Thai No 1 Danai Udomchoke, who paired with Noppawan Lertcheewakarn against two Thai tennis legends, Paradorn Srichaphan and Tamarine Tanasugarn. HRH Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya was also present at the Novak-Nadal exhibition to present trophy to the winner.

On Wednesday evening a charity auction of racquets donated by the players made US$75,000 in proceeds, including a US$10,000 donation from Hathaithep Thirathada. The proceeds will go to His Majesty the King’s Rajprachanukroh Foundation.