ASB Classic Takes Centre Stage

ASB Classic Takes Centre Stage Dominating Mens & Womens Tennis for 2016

New Zealand’s only global men’s and women’s tennis tournaments will be united under one name for the first time in 35 years. The current ASB Classic women’s WTA tournament and the men’s ATP tournament will be known as the ‘ASB Classic’ from 2016 onwards.

To celebrate the sponsorship of the combined events under one umbrella name, ASB Classic is pleased to announce the signing of two global superstars of tennis.

Launching an exciting new direction for our summer events, the ASB Classic proudly welcomes, for the first time, French superstar Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to Auckland. The former world number five and Grand Slam finalist is one of the biggest names on the ATP Tour boasting 11 tour titles including two Masters 1000 level trophies. Tsonga is one of only 3 active players to record wins against the big four (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray) at Grand Slams.

Headlining the ASB Classic Women’s field for the 3rd consecutive time will be Venus Williams. The former World number one, who has formed a love affair with the Auckland event in recent years, will be looking to improve on her incredible 46 career titles and defend her 2015 crown.

Exciting new phase for enlarged ASB Classic
ASB Chief Executive Barbara Chapman says ASB is delighted to bring the women’s and men’s fields together under one tournament name – the ASB Classic – with the new five-year sponsorship agreement between ASB and Tennis Auckland.

“The ASB Classic has a proud history of attracting some of the world’s best players to New Zealand,” Chapman says. “The event is acknowledged by players and fans as a highlight on the women’s and men’s global tours. Our ongoing commitment to supporting tennis in New Zealand will see the ASB Classic tournament continue to delight players and fans alike with two weeks of exceptional tennis in a uniquely fun and intimate environment.”

Tournament Director, Karl Budge says this is a hugely proud day for the ASB Classic and New Zealand’s international tennis tournaments. “It is 60 years since the tournaments commenced in Auckland and to have our future secure thanks to the expanded support of ASB gives us real confidence in how we are viewed as a major sporting event,” Budge says.

Commenting on the signings Budge added, “Jo is a true superstar of the tennis world and someone we have chased for three years. He has amassed almost $23million in career prize money, made it to the semi-finals and beyond at Grand Slams six times and is just one of those guys who entertains both on and off the court. He will be huge for us.”

“Venus has really made Auckland her own over the last couple of years winning the title this year and making the final in 2014. We have been so privileged to have her support and I have no doubt she will look to add another ASB Classic trophy to her bedroom wall.”

Commenting on the move to combine both the men’s and women’s events, DB Breweries Managing Director Andy Routley says that both the organisation and the Heineken brand are fully supportive of creating a single, world class tennis tournament for Auckland.

“Over the last 18 years, the Heineken Open has been instrumental in helping grow awareness of the Heineken brand in New Zealand, from its infancy into the well-recognised and leading premium international lager it is today. We are delighted that our long-standing partnership with the tournament will continue, as the ASB Classic moves into an exciting new phase and Heineken remains a key partner and official beer of the tournament,” Routley says.

Budge adds: “We have enjoyed enormous support from Heineken and DB during our 18-year partnership, which has helped us to significantly grow the events to where they are today - the Best Fan Experience in the world. To have their continued support for a further four years means we can continue to build on the experience we provide to our fans.”

The new two-week long ASB Classic will feature the women’s field in the first week followed by the men’s field in the second week, running through early January to kick off the international tennis season.

The 2016 ASB Classic will offer a brand new experience for tennis fans and a truly international line-up, celebrating world-class men’s and women’s tennis on the local stage.

ASB Classic | ASB Tennis Arena | January 4-16, 2016
ends

© Scoop Media