The Allied Thailand Open 2024 Presented by Cal-Comp, Southeast Asia’s largest professional women’s tennis tournament, began on 16th September 2024 at Arena Hua Hin.
The tournament, a WTA 250 event, offers total prize money of $267,082 (approx. 10 million THB), and has attracted top international players.
Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, former Deputy Prime Minister and Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, presided over the opening ceremony, which was attended by several notable figures, including Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Mr. Somkid Jatumanich, and representatives from key event sponsors such as Allied Precision and Cal-Comp Electronics. Among the guests were Mr. Paradorn Srichaphan, Tournament Director, and Charles Hsiung, President of APG.
The opening ceremony included a special Muay Thai performance titled “Percussion to Conquer Enemies, Renowned Thai Warriors,” showcasing traditional Thai martial arts in a display of the nation’s cultural heritage. The performance aimed to introduce Thailand to a global audience through the use of ‘soft power’ initiatives.
Commemorative garlands were presented to Magda Linette, the Polish player who won the 2020 Thailand Open, and Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska, the 2019 champion, currently ranked 34th in the world. Afterward, Mr. Suwat, along with the players and Mr. Paradorn, participated in a ceremonial tennis rally before signing tennis balls, which were given to guests in attendance.
This is the fifth edition of the Allied Thailand Open, and the second held this year. The event is co-organised by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), Arena Hua Hin Sports Club, and APG, with support from both public and private sectors. A total of 88 female athletes are competing in singles and doubles events from 14th to 22nd September.
Mr. Suwat emphasised that the presence of world-class tennis players is exciting for Thai sports enthusiasts, particularly as local player Lallana Tararuedee, a 20-year-old rising star, has advanced to the second round. The tournament not only boosts tourism but also helps stimulate the economy, with top-ranked players participating in activities aimed at promoting Thai culture.
“The Thailand Open is a key event that promotes tourism through sports,” Mr. Suwat said, adding that if the government uses sports as part of a broader strategy to tackle economic challenges, events like this will play an important role.
Tennis fans can follow the action via live broadcasts on Royal Thai Army Television Channel 5 (TV5) and TrueVisions’ True Sports channels 2, 3, and 7. Spectators can also attend matches in person at Arena Hua Hin, with the finals scheduled for 22nd September. Tickets are available here.
In the tournament’s opening singles match, Australia’s Arina Rodionova, ranked No. 115 in the world, faced Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic, the 2024 Olympic mixed doubles gold medalist and the event’s second seed. Siniakova dominated the match, winning in straight sets 7-5, 6-1, to advance to the round of 16, where she will meet the winner of the contest between Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska (world No. 74) and Ksenia Laskutova (world No. 366).
Other notable results include world No. 60 Katie Volynets of the United States, who defeated Denmark’s Clara Tauson in a hard-fought three-set battle, 7-6(2), 4-6, 6-3. Volynets will next face Tamara Zidansek of Slovenia, who overcame Tatiana Prozorova in three sets, 2-6, 6-3, 6-1. France’s Varvara Gracheva, the tournament’s eighth seed, also advanced to the second round, defeating Australia’s Taylah Preston 6-1, 6-4.
In the doubles event, Jana Fett of Croatia and Japan’s Mai Hontama secured a straight-sets victory over Freya Christie of the UK and Juliana Lizarazo of Colombia, winning 6-2, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals.
