Thailand's Top Female Tennis Player Withdraws From Asian Games
Thailand's top-ranked female tennis player Rujngkao Lalana withdrew from the Asian Games in Japan to focus on reaching the top 50 world ranking needed to qualify for the 2028 Olympics in the United States.
Rujngkao Lalana, Thailand's top-ranked female player and world number 61, formally withdrew from the 20th Asian Games in Japan on September 14, 2025, submitting a withdrawal letter to the Thai Lawn Tennis Association. In her letter, she explained that after careful consultation with her team and personal manager, she needs to refocus her performance development and world ranking strategy with the goal of qualifying for the Olympic Games in the United States by reaching the top 50. She apologized to the association, coaches, and all related parties for any inconvenience caused and pledged to compete for Thailand in future international tournaments.
Thailand Lawn Tennis Association President Suchai Pornchaisathaporn expressed understanding of Lalana's decision, noting that her current ranking of 61st already represents progress toward the top 50 target. He acknowledged that no Thai tennis player has competed in the Olympics for many years and praised her Olympic ambition as beneficial for Thai tennis. He expressed confidence that other players like Mananchaya Sawanggaew, currently ranked 88th, will perform well at the Asian Games and urged all Thai tennis players to give their best effort.
Pornchaisathaporn added that the Asian Games features five gold medals across men's and women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles categories. He expressed hope that the Thai tennis team will win medals, particularly in doubles events, and encouraged all team members to perform at their best.
