Tennis chief Suchai Pornchaisakudom believes that the Asian Games competition will be challenging but remains confident that Thai athletes can pull off a strong showing in Aichi-Nagoya.
He pointed to impressive performances by both Lanlana Tararudee and Mananchaya Sawangkaew at the last two Grand Slam events this year while Kasidit Samrej and Prachya Isaro also had a fine season.
Lanlana and Mananchaya, who are both ranked in the world’s top 100, reached the main draw of both Wimbledon and US Open.
Women’s world No.94 Mananchaya made it to the third round at the All England Club while No.76 Lanlana reached the second round. Both players reached the second round at Flushing Meadows.
The country’s men’s No.1 player Kasidit also had a breakthrough last week after reaching his first-ever ATP Challenger 75 final at the International Challenger Zhangjiagang in China.
Doubles specialist Prachya, who is ranked 95th in the world, has also secured championship and runner-up titles in men’s doubles across various professional tournaments this year.
“Winning a tennis medal in the Asian Games is difficult, given the presence of top-tier competitors. However, considering the recent performances of Thai players — which serve as a warm-up for the Asian Games in Japan — along with their physical and mental readiness, that could also put us in contention for a medal,” said Suchai, president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT).
At the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou three years ago, Prachya and Maximus Parapol Jones won a bronze medal in the men’s doubles event for Thailand.
The team for Aichi-Nagoya 2026 is coached by former national players Patcharapol Kumsamarn and Thanakorn Srichaphan.
The tennis competition will take place from Sept 27-Oct 3.