More than Bt20 million will be spent to stage the Centennial Invitation match between former world No 1s Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams in Hua Hin on January 2.
Co-hosted by the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand and the city of Hua Hin, the exhibition will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the resort town. According to LTAT president Suwat Liptapanlop, the two tennis queens will be paid more than Bt10 million in appearance fees.
"The meet is designed to create awareness of tennis among fans but also to boost Hua Hin tourism,'' said Suwat.
The friendly match will be held on a temporary court with a capacity to seat 4,000 people at the Hua Hin Centennial Park. The Russian cover girl and the American big-hitter played an exhibition in Chiang Mai four years ago. For this visit they will play a best-of-three-set match (super tie-break for the third set).
The marquee match will be followed by a one-set mixed doubles match featuring Paradorn Srichaphan and Danai Udomchoke. Channel 3 will broadcast the matches live from 3pm.
Sharapova is due to touch down on New Year's eve, Williams a day later.
Fans can buy tickets at Bt1,500 from November 21 at all Thaiticketmajor outlets and Major Hua Hin.