Thais have competition as new star rises on the Cambodian horizon
NEVER before has a female tennis player from Cambodia stood a chance of winning an SEA Games medal: the country next door is known more as a powerhouse of pentanque than of tennis. But things are about to change with the arrival of a new star in the region, Andrea Ka.
Since graduating from the University of San Francisco earlier this year, the 24-year-old Ka, who grew up in France, has already lifted two ITF titles.
The first was in June in Amarante, Portugal, in only her second tournament since obtaining a degree in advertising. All of a sudden Ka made headlines back in her homeland for becoming the first Cambodian, male or female, to lift an ITF singles trophy.
"I made history back in Cambodia. Tennis is actually growing a lot out there. I'm really happy to be part of that," said Ka, who speaks three languages, including French and English.
Just last week, she sent another signal she was a force to be reckoned with by winning her second ITF title in Hua Hin, fighting back from 2-5 in the final set to upset top seed Hsu Chieh-Yu of Taiwan 4-6 6-0 7-6 (7-0) in the final. Rising Thai stars like Kamonwan Buayam and Bunyawi Thamchaiwat, who may make the Thai line-up at the SEA Games, fell victim to the Cambodian.
An impressive forehand, versatility and most importantly a never-say-die attitude are the qualities that make Ka one to watch in the battle for the Games singles gold medal next August in Malaysia.
Andrea Ka
"I'm definitely going for the gold. I know a lot of Thai payers and know the way they play. But Thailand has Luksika Kumkhum, who is in the top 200," said Ka, who represented her country in the Games in 2011 and 2015 but left without a medal both times.
Ka turned pro seven years ago before completely stopping the game to focus on her studies in the US, during which her affection for the game grew again.
"I wanted a degree as a back-up option for me in case things didn't go my way in tennis. But now that I'm done with my degree, I want to be on the tour again. Actually I enjoy tennis more than ever," said the Cambodian.
In a span of four months, Ka, from having no ranking, will likely reach No 610 in the world when the WTA computer is updated next week. Apart from the SEA Games singles gold medal, Ka, whose idol is Roger Federer, has set an even bigger target for the next year and a half.
"I want to be in the top 200. I want to be able to play the qualifying competition of all Grand Slam events," she said.
