Wozniacki all set for New Year in Hua Hin

The Dane, who has finished top of the WTA rankings for two consecutive seasons, will touch down in the capital next Monday and a week later play the world No 3 Victoria Azarenka in a charity match to raise funds for flood relief.

Keeping her company on the visit will be PGA world No 3 McIlroy. The former world No 1 withdrew from the Thailand Golf Championship last week, citing sickness.

The women’s singles match is due at the Centennial Park, InterContinental, Hua Hin Resort, at 5pm on New Year’s Day. World No 18 John Isner and Thai tennis legend Paradorn Srichaphan will follow them for a men’s encounter. Fans can enjoy the tennis action along with beer and food available around the court.

Off court, the players will be participating in a number of activities in Hua Hin. After her December 26 arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Wozniacki faces a full schedule, including a Thai cooking class and spa treatment. Boyfriend McIlroy arrives on December 27 and will be joining Wozniacki in Hua Hin.

Azarenka and Isner both land in Thailand on December 29. 

At 9.30am on December 30, all the players will participate in a tree-planting ceremony in Prachuap Khiri Khan with hundreds of local schoolchildren as part of a nationwide teak tree-planting project. On December 31 they will participate in a merit-making ceremony and donate food to monks.

Isner and Azarenka will also conduct a tennis clinic for Thai junior players on January 2.

President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand Suwat Lipatapanlop is delighted at the international exposure the top players would bring to Thailand, as well as their efforts to raise money for flood relief. “Caroline, Victoria and John will have a great time in Thailand. They want to participate in as many activities as possible,” he said. “We are all looking forward to some great tennis and an exciting New Year.”