Wishaya and Jirat Named Davis Cup Singles Players
Thailand’s top two players Wishya Trongcharoenchaikul will return to the Davis Cup team in three years for the Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Round Group II first round tie against host Kuwait next month.
The big-hitting local ace will be joined by Cup debutant Jirat Navasirisomboon and the long-time doubles forces Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana in the away tie which is due at the Kuwait Tennis Federation Centre between February 3-5.
Ranked 771st in the world, Wishya coincidently played his last Davis Cup in the tie against the middle eastern team in Nonthaburi in 2014. Thailand eyes on stamping its authority over Kuwait with a clean 4-0 record in their head-to-head statistics dated back to 1990.
“It’s always an hour to play for the country. I’m happy to be recruited in the team again after several years,” said the 21-year-old looking to improve his Davis Cup record after winning just one rubber from four attempts.
“Even though we have a better record against Kuwait, we cannot underestimate them as anything can happen in the Davis Cup. Besides, they will have the edge on the home supports and condition. We have to be really well prepared for that,” added Wishaya.
Twenty-year-old Jirat has been chosen to join the team for the first time in this selection which is based purely on world rankings.
“I’m so honoured and really excited to be given this opportunity. I will be even more motivated to play well than in my normal matches because this time I represent Thailand,” said the Jirat, No 997.
Former national player Wittaya Samrej is the team captain. Players have already been called to train at the LTAT National Tennis Development Centre in Muang Thong Thani except the Ratiwatanas who are competing in Europe.
Thailand will train with Hong Kong, who is also in Group, at the tennis centre. Jordan will also use the venue as their training ground for their Group III tie with Sri Lanka.
