Serena and Azarenka set for Hua Hin
Play
The hottest player on the WTA circuit, Serena Williams, is to show her power and master-class form against world No 1 Victoria Azarenka in the Hua Hin World Tennis Invitation on December 29.
Ranked third in the world, Serena who just crushed Maria Sharapova 6-4 6-3 in the season-ending WTA Championships on Sunday is to play a match for the first time in Thailand but her first appearance was a personal visit in Bangkok in 2007, right after she won the Australian Open.
The Hua Hin World Tennis Invitation will be held at Centennial Park, Hua Hin on December 29, kicking off the long New Year-weekend celebrations in thrilling fashion.
For Azarenka, it will be her second tennis exhibition in the Kingdom after she upset the then world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki last year before going on to claim her first major in Melbourne. Azarenka and Williams will play the two-set, third set super-tie-break, format. Both are scheduled to celebrate their New Year here before launching their 2013 season.
Azarenka and Williams have been the most dominant players in women’s tennis this year. Azarenka is No 1 and has won 14 titles. She won six titles in 2012, including the Australian Open.
Serena is a true living legend. She has won an astonishing 45 singles titles, including 15 Grand Slam titles and the 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.
Azarenka and Serena played each other five times in 2012 and Serena won all five matches.
Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand Suwat Lipatapanlop president said he was delighted that the two 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 to be able to watch Serena play,” Suwat added.
Tickets for the Hua Hin World Tennis Invitation are Bt1,500 and go on sale at all Thaiticketmajor outlets and Major Hua Hin from Saturday.
