Published on October 18, 2005

[TENNIS] Thailand faces a Herculean task in their Fed Cup World Group II tie against the Czech Republic next year as newly-crowned Thailand Open champion Nicole Vaidisova will spearhead the opposing team. The teenage prodigy, who upset world No 9 Nadia Petrova to win the first Thailand Open and complete a hat-trick of titles after victories in Seoul and Tokyo, said she would come back to Thailand next April to represent her country. “Of course I would love to come and play in the Fed Cup. Playing for your country is a pride,’’ said the 16-year-old, who moves to a career high of 17 this week in the WTA rankings.

The appearance of the teenager in the tie will be a big problem for the Thai team. She is a power-hitter and big server who moves fast and never gives up. Vaidisova has already played Suchanan Viratprasert, the country’s No 2 player, in the second round of the Thailand Open and cruised to a 6-3 6-1 win.

Trained in Florida by Nick Bolettieri, the up-and-coming Vaidisova has played in the Fed Cup since 2004 and lost only one match in four ties.

A first round match with the Czech Republic is an uphill mission for the Thai team as the Europeans boast seven top 100 players, including Klara Koukalova and Kveta Peschke, ranked 38th and 39th.

Thai Fed Cup veteran Tamarine Tanasugarn hopes the cruel summer heat will give the home team an advantage.

“This is not going to be easy for us because the Czechs have so many good players, not to mention Vaidisova. But the fact that we are playing at home will be an advantage for us because it’s very hot in April and that could cause trouble for them,’’ said Tamarine.

However, Tamarine pointed out that the most of the Czech players are still young and have less experience in the Fed Cup, which could also benefit the Thai squad, which consists of long-time national team players.

“When you play for your country, it’s different from playing for yourself as you will carry a lot of pressure. You might play well on the tour, but it doesn’t mean you will keep up the good form in the Fed Cup. Inexperienced players will find it difficult mentally,’’ said Tamarine.

The first round of the women’s team competition is scheduled for April 22-23 next year. The courts at the Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok are expected to be the venue for the Thai-Czech encounter.

Calleri, Chela through

nArgentines Agustin Calleri and Juan Ignacio Chela breezed their way into the second round of the Madrid Masters Series with comfortable straight-sets victories yesterday.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation

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