Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Novak Djokovic has arrived in Bangkok prior to what could turn into a controversial exhibition with Rafael Nadal in the kingdom currently run by the military. The tennis pair, who meet at the weekend in a match designed to satiate fans who lost the Thailand Open ATP event two years ago, are due to meet with the country’s military ruler – perhaps a dangerous mix of sport and politics.

The exhibition is being held in a tourist-dependent country whose tourism board is trying to repair the PR damage from a recent bombing in central Bangkok at the Erawan Shrine. The players are due to meet with PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, whose government has banned public discussions about democracy criticism of the government.

Djokovic and Nadal will also visit a mall, a ritual which national tennis boss Suwat Liptapanlop hopes will renew interest in that most Thai of international visitor sports – shopping.

In addition to the top aces, former Thai players Danai Udomchoke and Noppawan Lertcheewakarn will team in mixed doubles to face Paradorn Srichaphan and Tamarine Tanasugarn in a best-of-nine-game format prior to the Djokovic-Nadal meeting.

The ATP pair are traveling to next week’s Beijing Open to begin their two weeks of Asian tournaments.

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.