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Published from ASB Classic

The 26-year-old Chilean Alejandro Tabilo became the first qualifier in 10 years to take out the men’s title at the ASB Classic today.

He prevailed over US-based Japanese player Taro Daniel 6-2 7-5 to claim his first ATP Tour title and the first Chilean to win an ATP Tour hard-court title in 17 years.

Tabilo, born in Canada, now finds himself inside the world’s top 50 ranked players for the first time.

The Chilean found a laser-like forehand his key weapon, breaking Daniel’s serve twice on the way to the first set 6-2. Daniel fought back with some deft touches in the second set to draw level at 5-5 but with the prospect of a tiebreak looming, he was broken as Tabilo went on to claim the title.

”We are all so happy and so emotional right now. I can’t really explain what I am feeling right now,” said Tabilo. “It is unbelievable and I never expected this week to happen like this.

“It has been a lot of work with my team, a lot of rehab and recovery with all the injuries. We have been trying to get back up and we had an opportunity two years ago. I knew all the work we had put in is now showing.

“It is unbelievable to go into Australia in the top 50. Almost two years ago our goal was to make top 100 and we didn’t do it. We finished last year top 100 and planned to slowly work our way towards the top 50 but to do it is crazy, almost coming too fast so we have to calm down, process everything and keep going.

“My team had a good play and he brought what we thought and were able to play our game today and it all worked out.”

The Chilean took the initiative from the get-go, stronger on the serve, and finishing off with excellent ground-strokes and deft touches. He broke Daniels twice on the way to a 6-2 first set. The second set was closer as Daniel found his range, but at 5-5 Tabilo stepped up to break and hold his serve for the victory.

Earlier Croatian Nikola Mektic made it two doubles titles in a row at the ASB Classic, joining with Dutch player Westley Koolhof for the victory. They outlasted top seeds Marcel Granollers (ESP) and Horacio Zeballos 6-3 6-7 10-7 in the super tiebreak.

Mektic has formed a new partnership after previous linking with the great Mate Pavic (CRO) who won the doubles titles three times in Auckland including last year.

Mektic broke early for 3-0 lead and they held serve for 6-3 first set win. But Koolhof and Granollers fought back to send the second set to a tiebreak which they won 7-5.

However the Mektic-Koolhof partnership were outstanding in the super tiebreak, building a handy buffer with some brilliant shot-making, going on to win 10-7.

Results:

Singles: Alejandro Tabilo (CHI) bt Taro Daniel (JPN) 6-2 7-5.

Doubles: Wesley Koolhof (NED) and Nikola Mektic (CRO) bt Marcel Granollers (ESP) and Horacio Zeballos (ARG) 6-3 6-7 10-7.

Published from ASB Classic

The unexpected injury withdrawal of home-town favourite Cameron Norrie, has left emerging stars Ben Shelton and Arthur Fils as clear favourites for the ASB Classic.

Norrie suffered a wrist injury from yesterday’s match, and after checks, he was left with my option but withdraw, which means he will have to wait a further 12 months to chase the coveted title in the city of Auckland where he grew up.

Top seed Ben Shelton raced his way into the semifinal where he will take on Taro Daniel, the first player from Japan to qualify for a semifinal at Auckland. Meanwhile Fils has become the first teenager to reach the semifinals in Auckland since a 17-year-old Rafael Nadal who reached the final in 2004.

Shelton was forced to work hard in the heat to advance to the semifinals after outlasting Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena 6-4 6-3.

The 21-year-old again showed his immense power, pushing over the 230kph mark on his biggest serves which he needed to finally extinguish a doughty challenge from Carballes Baena.

“I am just trying to stick to my game-plan this week and focus on trying to play the right way, the type of tennis that I visualise myself playing three or four years from now, and being content with some of the mistakes,” said Shelton.

“I want to have an aggressive style, an all-court player and most importantly, I don’t want to second-guess myself. I want to be committed to any decision I make on the court and not hesitate at all. When you hesitate you get in trouble.”

His opponent Daniel will line-up in his fourth ATP Tour semifinal, and his first in three years.

The 30-year-old US-based Japanese player led 4-0 in the second set before Frenchman Alexandre Muller fought back to win in the tiebreak. However Daniel re-engaged after a break to claim control in the final set 6-3.

“It’s really nice to be the first Japanese player to make the semifinals. Last year I had a really hard time. The weather was horrible and we had to play indoors and was one of the worst weeks in my career. So now to have one of the best – that contrast is so nice to have.”

The 19-year-old Fils has been enjoying his time in Auckland, as he reached his sixth ATP Tour semifinal although his first on outdoor hard courts.

He found the teak-tough Daniel Altmaier a strong challenge, with both featuring in a range of audacious shots. Fils was forced to a tiebreak which he won 7-6 but after leading in the second set, his opponent said a foot injury prevented him continuing.

“During the first set was ok, and feeling better and finish the first set playing really well. Both of us were playing pretty good and I did not know he was in pain,” said “Fils. “I am really happy to win but not in this way of course, but I am feeling confident.”

He will meet Alejandro Tabilo (CHI) who had the walkover against Norrie.

Results:

Men’s Singles Quarterfinals: Taro Daniel (JPN) bt Alexandre Muller (FRA)6-4 6-7 6-3, Ben Shelton (USA) bt Roberto Carballes Baena (ESP) 6-4 6-3, Alejandro Tabilo (CHI) bt Cameron Norrie (GBR) walkover, Arthur Fils (FRA) bt Daniel Altmaier (GER) 7-6, 1-0 Ret,

Doubles Quarterfinals: Wesley Koolhof (NED) and Nikola Mektic (CRO) bt Maximo Gonzalez (ARG) Andrew MoltenI (ARG) 6-0 2-6 12-10, Nathaniel Lammons (USA) and Jackson Withrow (USA) bt Julian Cash (GBR) and Robert Galloway (USA) 3-6 7-6 10-2.

ORDER OF PLAY – FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024 CENTRE COURT start 12:15 pm Wheelchair Match 1:00 pm: [1] Ben Shelton (USA) vs Taro Daniel (JPN); [6] Arthur Fils (FRA) vs [Q] Alejandro Tabilo (CHI); [1] Marcel Granollers (ESP) / Horacio Zeballos (ARG) vs [4] Nathaniel Lammons (USA) / Jackson Withrow (USA)

GRANDSTAND start 3:00 pm Sadio Doumbia (FRA) / Fabien Reboul (FRA) or Sander Gille (BEL) / Joran Vliegen (BEL) vs Wesley Koolhof (NED) / Nikola Mektic (CRO)

Published from ASB Classic

American teenager Coco Gauff has become just the 10th woman to defend their title at the ASB Classic in Auckland.

In winning her way to her eighth WTA final, the 19-year-old equalled the most wins among American teenagers along with Serena Williams in the last 25 years.

Gauff was made to work hard with a 6-7 6-3 6-3 victory over the remarkable Ukrainian player, Elina Svitolina, who battled a myriad of injuries to put up a mammoth fight.

“It was not my best level of play but sometimes when you are not at your best and you win, it makes you more satisfied,” said Gauff.

“It gives me a lot of confidence beating Elina. It was cool seeing how I handled the pressure especially after losing the first set. I was proud of the mental fight I showed today.

“The biggest thing I learned in winning a slam is that you are going to have to win one of those matches with not playing your best. This week I did that.

“This gives me a lot of confidence looking towards Melbourne. After winning a Slam it is important to be able to reach up again. Being the No. 1 seed, everyone expects you to win which is something I had to adjust to mentally.

“It was great playing in the sunshine and I think the fans enjoyed it too. Women’s tennis is thriving and it can only go upwards. From the first day to the last, the crowds came and I hope that continues.”

Svitolina, last year’s comeback player of the year after two years out with the birth of her daughter, won over many fans with her equal measures of talent and tenacity.

The victory over Emma Raducanu stands as the game of the tournament by some stretch, on top of the win over fellow super-mom, Caroline Wozniacki.

Svitolina said she drew inspiration rom the hoards of messages from friends and family back in Ukraine, who followed her performances despite their plight.

“I always remind myself that people right now, men and women, are fighting for our country and me, I am here in this safe place and this amazing opportunity to play in such a wonderful place and the sport that I love.

“These people who are fighting give me the inspiration and courage to show this unbreakable spirit which motived me to bring the best version of myself.”

Svitolina said she was pleased to have won through the week against such strong opposition, and with a few days’ recovery, believes she is in good space to perform well in Melbourne.

She will remain in Auckland for a few days to recover and support her husband, Gael Monfils, who begins his quest at the ASB Classic men’s tournament.

The women’s doubles honours went to Anna Danilina (KAZ) and Victoria Hruncakova (SVK) who prevailed over Marie Bouzkova (CZE) and Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 6-3 6-7 10-7.

Earlier the four qualifiers were found to round out the men’s draw which starts.

New Zealand’s Jack Loutit, on scholarship at the University of Kentucky, was edged by American teenager Alex Micheelsen 6-3 6-3 for a spot in the field. He had an opportunity leading 3-1 but could not convert as the American, who is already inside the world’s top 100, took control.

Joining him is world no. 85 ranked Alejandro (CHI), Frenchmen Alexandre Muller and Luca Van Assche.

Published from ASB Classic

Granted a wildcard entry in 2023, American wonder kid Ben Shelton will return as the tournament’s top seed for the ASB Classic in Auckland next month.

Shelton, who went on from Auckland to enjoy a mercurial rise to No 17 in the world this year, will head the players named today in the main draw for the men’s ASB Classic starting on 8 January.

The 21 year old, who became the youngest American to break into the world’s top 50, heads a bunch of talented tyros who will provide plenty of spark to the 69th staging of the ASB Classic, the ATP 250 event.

He is joined by the likes of 23-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime, ranked 29 in the world; American Chris Eubanks 27 years, ranked 34; 19-year-old Frenchman Arthur Fils, world no 36; Australian Max Purcell 25, ranked 45; JJ Wolf (USA) 25 years, ranked 53; and 25-year-old German Daniel Altmaier, ranked 56 in the world.

“They are among the new world order in tennis and they bring a fresh excitement to the game,” said ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin.

“From our perspective, it is rewarding to see the likes of Ben Shelton, who left USA for the first time to play here this year, progressing around the world this year as a fresh and exciting new face.”

Shelton pushed on after Auckland to make the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, the semifinals at the US Open, where he lost to Novak Djokovic, before a breakthrough tournament victory in the ATP 500 in Tokyo.

Auger-Aliassime, who guided Canada to their first Davis Cup victory last year, has been as high as No 6 in the world and has already bagged five ATP titles. He is the youngest player to make the world’s top-25 since Lleyton Hewitt over two decades ago.

Eubanks, popular in Auckland this year, is another to enjoy a stellar 2023 making the quarters at Wimbledon, Atlanta and Miami with victory at Mallorca.

Frenchman Fils, just 19 years, will attract plenty of interest after finishing runner-up at the ATP Next Gen finals, and becoming the youngest Frenchman in nearly two decades to win an ATP title in Lyon.

Purcell, who won three ITF finals in an 18-match winning run; Wolf who progressed from Auckland with two semifinals and three quarterfinals in the ATP this year; and Altmaier, who won a Challenger title among four ATP quarterfinals, are all part of the emerging youthful talent to head to Auckland.

While far from an “old-hand”, there will be plenty of support for Auckland-raised British star, Cameron Norrie, who is the second seed at 18th in the world. The big left-hander will be keen to go one better after finishing runner-up at Auckland this year, at the ASB Arena where he watched for several years as a youngster. His year included winning the ATP 500 in Rio defeating Carlos Alcaraz for the title, reaching the final at Buenos Aires and the quarters at Indian Wells, Queens and Zhuhai.

There are a bunch of experienced players in the mix, headed by colourful Frenchman Gael Monfils, a wildcard entry, who grabbed his 12th ATP title this year and reached at least one final over the last 19 years.

Joining him are Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, who boasts 11 titles and reached No 9 in the world, returning from a significant injury along with five-time winner Adrian Mannarino from France.

“It is an excellent mix not only of these exciting young players but also some proven stars who have won many, many times around the world,” said Lamperin.

“It is an extremely good field, which is very even and I expect some torrid battles of high quality throughout the week.”

There are 19 players given direct entry, with three wildcards (Monfils, and the New Zealand playoff winner, plus one to be confirmed) with the remaining four players to come from qualifying.

There is also an additional opportunity for fans with organisers able to secure a very limited number of tickets from our sponsors’ allocations, with approximately 50 additional tickets released for all sessions of men’s week from January 8-13.

The ASB Classic begins with the WTA Women’s ASB Classic from January 1-7.

The full men’s field is (Seeding, World Ranking):

1. Ben Shelton (USA) World No 17, 2. Cameron Norrie (GBR) No 18, 3. Francisco Cerundolo (ARG) No 21, 4. Adrian Mannarino (FRA) No 22, 5. Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) No 25, 6. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) No 29, 7. Chris Eubanks (USA) No 34, 8. Arthur Fils (FRA) No 36, 9. Sebastian Ofner (AUT) No 43, 10. Max Purcell (AUS) No 45, 11. Botic van de Zandschulp (NED) No 50, No 12. JJ Wolf (USA) No 53 13. Daniel Altmaier (GER) No 56, 14. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) No 57; 15. Marcos Giron (USA) No 60, 16. Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) No 62, 17. Roberto Carballes Baena (ESP) No 63, 18. Fabian Marozsan (HUN) No 64, 19. Nuno Borges (POR) No 66.

Wildcard: Gael Monfils (FRA) No 74.

Tickets: asbclassic.flicket.co.nz

Published from ASB Classic

Three Grand Slam tennis champions and a former world finals winner top the women’s final entries for the 2024 ASB Classic, confirmed today in Auckland.

The field is headed by world no. 3 Coco Gauff, who last year in Auckland won the minds with her performances on the court and hearts with her humanity off it. Still just 19 years, Gauff will defend her ASB Classic title when the women’s competition begins on 1 January at the ASB Arena.

Gauff went on from her Auckland success to push to her first Grand Slam title, fittingly on home turf at the US Open, with some remarkable displays.

She will be joined at the ASB Classic by the legendary Caroline Wozniacki, back to Auckland for a remarkable eighth time in her return to the game following time out for the birth of her daughter.

While the Danish star won the Australian Open in 2018 and the World Finals in 2016 among her 30 Titles, Wozniacki has been unable to claim the trophy at the ASB Arena in her seven previous attempts, twice making the final.

The mums are out in force at the ASB Classic, with Ukrainian Elina Svitolina choosing to compete in Auckland in her build-up for a return to the Australian Open, having taken more than a year out of the game with the birth of her daughter.

Svitolina, who had a career high No 3 in the world, has climbed more than 1000 spots to a world ranking of 25 in the few months she has been back in the game. The 2018 World Finals winner this year made the quarterfinals at Roland Garros and semifinals at Wimbledon.

“We are thrilled that Coco is returning to defend her title,” said ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin. “We all knew we were watching a young player of exceptional talent last year and she has gone on to prove that to the world this year.

“More than that, she touched the hearts of many off the court working with young kiwi players in South Auckland, and yet she is still a teenager and will continue to do great things on and off the court.

“We have two absolute superstar mothers in Caroline Wozniacki and Elina Svitolina. Their records speak for themselves and both have returned after birth of their children to already show they are still world class.”

Lamperin has awarded three high-profile wildcards, headed by Wozniacki, along with British player Emma Raducanu and American Amanda Anisimova, two young players who have faced the adversity of pressure and expectation after success as teenagers.

Like Gauff, a Slam winner at Flushing Meadows, Raducanu will re-start her career at the ASB Classic, after multiple injuries forced her to take a break from the game. Raducanu who won the US Open at just 19 as a qualifier and all in straight sets is returning to the Tour in full health and fitness and eager to start her journey back to the top.

Anisimova is a prodigious talent who quickly rose to No 21 in the world as a teenager. The American has faced challenges with the death of her father who was her coach and she took much of this year off citing mental health challenges.

After a spell at university, she returns to the ASB Classic where she reached the semifinal against Serena Williams in 2020 and the quarterfinals in 2019. Anisimova is a two-time champion on the WTA Tour, winning titles in Bogota in 2019 and Melbourne in 2022. She also reached the semifinals at the French Open in 2019.

“Both of these players had remarkable success as teenagers and have both faced challenges since. They both have prodigious talent and both have returned still with a passion for the game and keen to re-find their way,” said Lamperin.

“If we can help that progress with a wildcard entry for the ASB Classic, then it is the least we can do to play our part in the bigger picture of the welfare of our sport.”

There is significant depth in the women’s line-up which boasts 78 WTA career victories and includes both rising stars and proven performers.

That includes four-time winner Lesia Tsurenko from Ukraine, a long-time Fed Cup representative who will be the third seed ahead of American Emma Narvarro, a former Collegiate standout, who has jumped to 32 in the world rankings after two semifinals and two quarters in a moving year.

Watch too for the Chinese pair Xinyu Wang (right-hander) and Xiyu Wang (left-hander), who are not related, and ranked 36 and 72 in the world respectively.

“We see ourselves as a tournament that identifies and gives opportunity to young players on the rise, something this tournament is very proud of. Likewise we recognise those who continue to enjoy their time in Auckland and have supported us for many years, like Caroline who is back for the eighth time.”

There will be two New Zealand players given the chance to compete, with a qualifying tournament at the ASB Arena after Christmas, with qualifying to start on December 30 and the tournament-proper on January 1 to 7.

The ASB Men’s Classic will run from January 8-13, with Lamperin emphasising that ticket sales have been strong with several days already fully sold.

The full field is:

WOMEN

1. Coco Gauff (USA) World No 3, 2. Elina Svitolina (UKR) No 25, 3. Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) No 31, 4. Emma Navarro (USA) No 32, 5. Marie Bouzkova (CZE) No 34, 6. Xinyu Wang (CHN) No 36, 7. Petra Martic (CRO) No 40, 8. Varvara Gracheva (FRA) No 43, 9. Anna Blinkova No 50, 10. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova No 57, 11. Magdalena Frech (POL) No 63, No 12. Rebecca Masarova (ESP) No 64, 13. Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) No 68, 14. Xiyu Wang (CHN) 71; 15. Elina Avanesyan No 74, 16. Yue Yuan (CHN) No 77, 17. Emina Bektas (USA) No 87, 18 Kayla Kay (USA) No 89, 19 Jaqueline Cristian (ROU) 91, 20. Linda Fruhvirtova (CZE) No 93, 21. Diane Parry (FRA) 94, 22. Claire Liu (USA) 99.

Wildcards

Emma Raducanu (GBR), Amanda Anisimova (USA), Caroline Wozniacki (DEN)

Tickets: asbclassic.flicket.co.nz

Published from ASB Classic

Tennis super-couple Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina have today confirmed they will compete at the ASB Classic in Auckland in January.

Monfils, the 37-year-old from France, is one of the most entertaining and enduring tennis players on the globe, rising to a career high sixth in the world on the back of 12 ATP titles.

Svitolina, who has climbed over 1000 spots to 25 in the world since returning to tennis following the birth of their daughter Skai, has won 17 WTA titles along with the Tour Finals title in 2018 and the Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo.

The ASB Classic will be the first time that the couple have played in the same tournament, outside of Majors or 1000-level tournaments, with Monfils returning to Auckland for a third occasion, and his wife venturing to New Zealand for the first time.

Monfils has twice played at the ASB Classic, losing to Alberto Martin in his early years on the ATP Tour, and making the semifinals 10 years ago. His first title was in Sopot, Poland in 2005 and his most recent was a brilliant comeback victory in Stockholm last month.

The Frenchman has battled injuries in recent years but the former world top ranked junior is looking to add to his 12 ATP titles. His durability is noted with a record of reaching at least one final in 19 straight seasons from 2005 to 2023. Before his Stockholm win, his previous best this season was the quarterfinal at the ATP 1000 in Canada where he lost in three sets to world #4 Jannick Sinner.

Monfils has won 540 career matches, and is often considered as the fastest player on Tour and a fan favourite.

His initial rise in the rankings was mercurial, jumping over 100 spots in three months at the start of 2005 and by the end of that year he had risen 190 places to the top-30. His best season was in 2016 when he won his first ATP 500 in Washington, reaching the final in Monte Carlo and the semifinal at the US Open. His efforts earned him qualification for the ATP Finals in London.

Svitolina, 29, had a career-high ranking of three in the world in 2017.

After being off the Tour for more than a year with the birth of her daughter, Svitolina returned eight months ago. She showed her class in her return to the Majors this year – losing to current world no. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, beating top seed Iga Swiatek on way to the semifinals at Wimbledon and losing to American world #5 Jessica Pegula in the round of 32 at the US Open.

Svitolina recently won the WTA 250 Tour title in Strasbourg to move to 25 in the world after being ranked outside the Top 1000 just three months previous.

She studies business, economics and nutrition and speaks fluently in Ukrainian, English, Russian and French.

ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin said the tournament is excited to have attracted Monfils and Svitolina to Auckland.

“Gaël is an extraordinarily popular figure who has achieved so much on and off the court, while Elina is an absolute force in women’s tennis, and rapidly returning to her best form.”

Tickets sales have been strong for both weeks, with tickets available at www.asbclassic.co.nz

Published from ASB Classic

Bright young American star, Ben Shelton, given a wildcard entry to the ASB Classic this year in one of his first ATP tournaments outside USA, will return to Auckland in January having climbed inside the world’s top 20 players.

The powerful left-hander turned heads at the ASB Arena earlier this year, and has continued to do so around the globe as arguably the most improved player among the ATP Tour’s top ranked players, having risen from No 96 in January.

Shelton, who made it to the last 16 in Auckland, went on to become the youngest American in 40 years to reach the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, losing to compatriot Tommy Paul.

The highlights continued throughout the year, making the round of 16 at Queens that led to a remarkable performance at the US Open where he reached the semifinals, losing to World No 1 Novak Djokovic after victories over fellow Americans Paul (world #12) and Frances Tiafoe (world #14) and Austrian Dominic Thiem.

Shelton went on to win the Laver Cup with Team World before his breakthrough ATP Tour tournament victory at the Tokyo Open in straight sets over Aslan Karatsev in the final.

The American is looking forward to returning to the ASB Classic.

“Auckland was my first win of the year on the ATP Tour. To start things off the right way in a place I really enjoyed was important to my success that followed at the Australian Open and for the rest of the year,” said Shelton.

“The ASB Classic was one of my first tournaments that I played in outside of the US and I learned a lot and enjoyed the experience.

“Next year I am hoping to venture out a little bit more, and see more of this beautiful city and experience a few sights – maybe take the ferry to visit the black sand beach.”

The American said his season has been beyond dreams, especially at home in the US Open.

“Playing in front of a huge crowd at Arthur Ashe was definitely a bucket-list experience for me, something I dreamed about and definitely something I looked forward to.”

ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin said the tournament is thrilled to have Shelton returning.

“He is the type of player that we target. We saw him as a hugely promising teenager who would benefit from playing at our tournament, and that Auckland is a great place for a young player in his first time travelling outside of USA.

“Shelton impressed us all at the ASB Classic both on and off the court, and we knew that he had star qualities and he has already gone on to prove it.

“We are so pleased that he enjoyed his time in Auckland and I am sure there will be a great many fans flocking to see this very exciting young player in action.”

Lamperin said he was finalising his last few invites that will be confirmed in the next month ahead of the final field announcements in early December for the WTA women’s event from 1-7 January and the ATP men’s tournament from January 8-13.

Tickets sales have been strong for both weeks, with tickets available at www.asbclassic.co.nz

Photo: Ben Shelton celebrates in front of home-country fans at the US Open. (Credit: ATP-Getty Images).

Published from ASB Classic

The hottest teen in men’s world tennis, Frenchman Arthur Fils, is heading to New Zealand for January’s ASB Classic.

The 19-year-old, now risen to 38in the world on the ATP rankings, is the highest ranked teenager and currently ranked fifth in the Next Gen (21 years and under) listing.

Since turning professional two years ago, Fils has jumped over 600 spots in the world rankings, and more than 200 places this year.

The athletic 185mm teen broke into the top 100 in May this year after becoming the youngest Frenchman to win an ATP Tour event since Gael Monfils, with his title in Lyon.

He pushed into the top 50 in August after making the semifinal in Hamburg following his win over Casper Ruud. He then featured in Team Europe in the latest edition of the Laver Cup in Vancouver and celebrated his first call in the French Davis Cup team.

Since his efforts at Roland Garros in 2021, where he reached the boys final and won the boys doubles, his game has been on the ascendancy.

The French sensation has been lured to New Zealand after speaking to 2023 ASB Classic champion and compatriot, Richard Gasquet.

“He said it was a great tournament, a great crowd and so I am looking forward to these moments and feel at home there will mean so much,” said Fils.

“I have heard it is an impressive tournament. It will be my first time in New Zealand and Australia. I will see with the good weather, the good crowd – it will be a nice moment and I will try my best.”

Fils is now 19-15 for the season including wins over two top-10s and a tally including his maiden ATP Tour crown in Lyon in May, and runner-up to Alexander Bublik in the final at ATP Antwerp along with semifinals in Hamburg, Marseille and Montpellier.

ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin said the tournament has a reputation for providing opportunity for players on the rise, and to give opportunity for kiwi fans to follow tomorrow’s stars today.

“Arthur fits that group. He is a very exciting young French player who has risen in the rankings extremely quickly with a bright career ahead of him,” said Lamperin.

“He is already a sought-after young player who has impressed with his shot-making but also his attitude. He is an extremely likeable young player with a great attitude. Arthur is sure to attract plenty of fans in Auckland.”

The French teen says he has some big goals in the sport.

“My goal in tennis is to enjoy every moment. On the court to smile in every match I am playing, to try my best to win some great moments and to be high in the rankings. I want to try my best and I have some big goals here.”

While Fils has major goals to achieve on the court in 2024 starting in Auckland, he wants to take on some other challenges while he is in the city.

“I have been told that our hotel is where the bungy is. If I can jump off the building, then really, I will do that for sure.”

Published from ASB Classic

Eight is great for tennis Super Mum, Caroline Wozniacki, who today confirmed she will return to the ASB Classic in January.

The 33 year old, who played seven times in Auckland during her rise to No 1 in the world, is returning to the ASB Tennis Arena in her remarkable tennis comeback following the birth of her two children.

The Danish superstar, who began the sport when she was seven, retired in 2020 on the back of 30 singles titles and a total of 17 months as the best player in the world.

Wozniacki gave birth to Olivia and James in 2021 and 2022. In a desire to “get back in shape,” she picked up the racquet for exercise. She was amazed at her form in hit-ups, and decided to make a return to the sport in early August.

The Dane surprised many by winning through to the fourth round at the recent US Open, before losing to eventual winner and returning ASB Classic champion, Coco Gauff in the fourth round.

Now Wozniacki is targeting a second Grand Slam in Melbourne next January, and has not hesitated in her decision to come back to a popular home-away-from-home in Auckland.

“It is going to be my children’s first time there,” said Wozniacki. “It’s amazing that I can come back and prepare as well as I can for the Australian Open.

“I love the fans in Auckland. It is always such a great event. I have always had an amazing time there.

“I thought it was going to be the best place for my preparation and the best place for my family to come and start the new season.”

Wozniacki has one desire in Auckland, to win the ASB Classic after finishing runner-up to Venus Williams in 2015 and Julia Goerges in 2018, along with semifinal loses to Jessica Pegula 2020 and Sloane Stephens in 2016.

ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nico Lamperin is thrilled to attract Wozniacki back to the ASB Tennis Arena.

“Caroline is an extraordinary woman who is such a remarkable role model as a professional tennis player and person, and now showing that motherhood is no barrier.

“She has been a marvellous supporter of the ASB Classic and Auckland, and we are honoured and genuinely thrilled to host her back in our city.

“After watching her play in New York, I know that Caroline will be a genuine contender here.”

Lamperin said he is excited to have both Gauff and Wozniacki in the line-up for the women’s competition, and is in discussions with other exciting players which he hopes to announce in the coming weeks.

Tickets are on sale from https://asbclassic.flicket.co.nz

Photo: Photosport

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