The expat factor keeps the PTT Pattaya Open buzzing

While the men’s event had gradually lost its popularity and compelled the authorities concerned to let it go, the Pattaya event, originally started in 1991, continues to survive. The beach town turned out to be a promising venue for organisers as western tourists and expats with their tennis-loving culture became the main patrons. 

While Thai fans come only to support either their compatriots or star players, western fans fill the majority of the seats, regardless of who plays, come rain or shine.

This year, though the tournament does not have a top 10 player, it still features an interesting line-up: No 15 Sabine Lisicki of Germany, No 21 Sorana Cirstea of Romania, No 22 Ekaterina Makarova and No 28 Elena Vesnina, both from Russia.

Anyone who witnessed last year’s final would have feelings for the German who was serving for the match at 6-5 in the final set but ended up losing the epic encounter against Maria Kirilenko of Russia 5-7 6-1 7-6 (7-1). Later the “smiling assassin” from Troisdorf stole the hearts of fans all over the world when she, to everyone’s surprise, upset Serena Williams in the round of 16 at Wimbledon. Although she came short in the title match against Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli, due to her inexperience on a big stage, she captured the crowds’ hearts again with her display.

With huge serves and big groundstrokes, Lisicki can be a real threat to anyone on a fast surface, confirmed by two of her three titles coming at the grass event in Birmingham and the cement court in Dallas, both in 2011.

The presence of former world No 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova and two-time champion Vera Zvonareva would compel Russian supporters to turn up at the Dusit Resort this week. In her roller-coaster career, Kuznetsova had her highs by becoming an unexpected US Open winner in 2004 and Rolland Garros champion in 2009. But a series of injuries has set back her career.

Currently at No 20 in the world, the Russian has one of the most dangerous forehands on the tour and, if fully fit, should last until next Sunday in Pattaya. Zvonareva, whose domination between 2009-2010 was stopped by Daniela Hantuchova in the semi-final of 2011, could make history by becoming the first three-time winner. 

Since then she had been plagued by injuries and was forced to stop playing for more than a year between 2012-2013. At 29, the Russian, currently has no ranking. She made a comeback at the Shenzhen tournament this year and lost her two matches, including one at the Australian Open. But she is the favourite of the Russian fans in Pattaya and would get the vocal support to regain her top form.

Last but not the least, young Luksika Kumkhum, the 88th-ranked player could gain more recognition. She shocked the world with an upset win over world No 4 Petra Kvitova in the Australian Open first round. Her unorthodox, fierce, double-fisted groundsrokes are lethal, and if she is consistent with her weapon, she can be a force to reckon with in years to come.