The ASB Classic has locked in one of tennis' brightest young stars for their return to the international circuit.
Photo: AFP
American sensation Coco Gauff has confirmed her appearance for the Auckland tournament in January next year.
The 18-year-old has risen all the way to 12th in the world rankings and was fifth in the WTA Race Ranking for rankings in 2022 alone.
Gauff played in Auckland in 2020 before the event went on hold for the past two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I am super-excited to be returning to the ASB Classic. It was a bucket list tournament of mine before Covid," she said.
"I definitely missed New Zealand the last two years and I am excited to kick my year off back in Auckland.
"Auckland is such a beautiful city and I am excited to come back. I chose to return to because the fans, the atmosphere and the city are unique to the tour."
Gauff reached her first singles Grand Slam final at this year's French Open and also claimed the No 1 ranking spot in doubles following her win at the National Bank Open in Toronto.
Her No 1 goal for 2023 was to win a Grand Slam.
ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said they were thrilled "a brilliant young star, both on and off the court" was coming back to Auckland.
"We are just delighted that she wants to come back after having such a good experience two years ago. In that time, she has risen from a budding youngster to one of the world's stars who is pushing to the very top in the game.
"She has a brilliant all-round game on all surfaces, and in both singles and doubles. Off the court she is a charismatic young player who has captivated fans around the world - and I am sure that will be the case again in Auckland."
