The Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) has invited the world's No 1 and No 2 players to compete in Phuket on December 5, His Majesty the King's birthday. LTAT secretary-general Admiral Bunnawit Kengrian said the appearance fee for each player could be as much as Bt20 million.

He said a temporary stadium would be built outdoors to allow fans to see the two most popular players in world tennis. Federer has spent some time holidaying with his girlfriend on Phuket, with his latest trip there after his win in Wimbledon in July.

Federer has also played tennis in Thailand twice, at the Thailand Open in 2004 and 2005, and he won both times. But French Open champion Nadal has yet to visit the country.

However, if the LTAT fails to get both Federer and Nadal, they might invite top women's players like Amelie Mauresmo, Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin-Hardenne or Maria Sharapova, who are all represented by the IMG Agency.