Johansson returns to tennis at the Thailand Open

   Joachim Johansson burst onto the world tennis scene winning three titles in 2004 and 2005 and reached the top 10 before elbow and shoulder injuries forced him out of the game in early 2006.

  He was only able to compete in three ATP Tour events in 2006 but in those tournaments he managed to beat both Rafael Nadal and world #5 Nikolay Davydenko. He played two tournaments at the beginning of this year before he was forced to undergo shoulder surgery.

  "We are delighted that Joachim has chosen the Thailand Open to make his return to professional tennis," said Organizing Committee co-chairman Prasan Maleenont. "He is an exciting player who enjoys playing indoors and on fast surfaces so the Thailand Open courts will suit his game."

   Thomas Johansson, who is not related to Joachim, will be competing in his second Thailand Open after making the Quarter Finals in 2004 where he lost to Andy Roddick. The winner of nine ATP Tour events including the Australian Open, he is currently ranked #68 in the world and has been as high as #7 in 2002.

    The Swedish pair add further depth to a playing field that already boasts top 10 players Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, Tomas Berdych and Tommy Haas as well as Paradorn Srichaphan, Benjamin Becker and Ivo Karlovic.

   The Thailand Open will be held from September 22-30 at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani.

    Tickets for the event are available at all Thaiticketmajor outlets and at 02 262 3456. VIP Boxes are available at 02 262 3900.