Kasidit Samrej, Thailand's number one tennis player, will be competing in the ITF Men's World Tennis Tour at Muang Thong Thani. This tournament is a significant event, as it comes on the heels of the upcoming 33rd SEA Games in December 2025, where tennis is expected to be a major focus for Thai athletes, who are aiming to repeat their past successes in winning gold medals.In an effort to support the development of ASEAN tennis, the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) has extended wild cards to emerging players from neighboring nations. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for these players to gain international experience, which will help improve their skills and inspire their growth in the sport.As part of this commitment, the LTAT has granted wild cards to young Singaporean talents.
These include 18-year-old Audrey Tong and 16-year-old Eva Marie Desvignes, who are both participating in the ongoing ITF Women's World Tennis Tour at the National Tennis Development Centre in Muang Thong Thani from March 17-30. Audrey Tong, who previously competed in the SEA Games in Cambodia, and Eva Marie Desvignes, currently ranked 243rd in the junior world rankings, are both rising stars in Singapore's tennis scene. Eva Marie has already won two ITF Junior tournaments, including one in Muang Thong Thani in 2022.
Audrey Tong is the daughter of Edwin Tong, Singapore's Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Minister for Sport. Audrey shared her passion for the sport, recalling how her parents encouraged her to play tennis at the age of seven. She expressed that her experiences in Thailand, thanks to the wild card entry, would be valuable for learning and gaining more experience. Audrey also highlighted Singapore's desire to win medals at the SEA Games, noting that the country last won a medal in tennis eight years ago through Stefanie Tan's bronze medal. Audrey emphasized that Stefanie, now a coach, continues to inspire and train the new generation of Singaporean tennis players, with hopes of achieving greater success in the upcoming SEA Games.
Meanwhile, Kasidit Samrej, Thailand's top-ranked player, is also set to compete in the ITF tournament. Kasidit made history earlier this year by becoming the first Thai player in 13 years to reach the main draw of a Grand Slam at the Australian Open, where he faced world number 8 Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller.The participation of players like Kasidit, Audrey, and Eva is a part of the broader effort to develop tennis talent in Southeast Asia and to give rising stars the opportunity to perform on the international stage.