Defending champion to return to 2017 ASB Classic

Media Release
2 September 2016

Defending champion set to serve up stiff competition at 2017 ASB Classic

ASB Classic is back better than ever announcing the return of Roberto Bautista Agut and ticket sales

After a stellar tournament this year, Tennis Auckland announced its first player signing for the 2017 ASB Classic – men’s defending champion Roberto Bautista Agut. Tickets to watch the former champion in action are on sale now.

Spaniard Bautista, currently ranked 17th in the world recently reached the quarterfinals at the Rio Olympics and is seeded 15th in the US Open which kicked off this week in New York. Roberto will bring a wealth of experience to the tournament in January.

Karl Budge, ASB Classic Tournament Director said “The return of Bautista will make for a spectacle as he fights to retain his title and is just the beginning of an impressive ASB Classic line-up.”

“We are very excited that the current men’s champion is returning next year, Roberto sets the bar high for this world-class event. He will be determined to hold onto his title and start the year on a high, so it’s set to be an exciting tournament. We’re dedicated to providing players with a world-class competition and spectators the opportunity to watch the very best of tennis so signing the top tennis talent is important for us. We have some very exciting players in the pipeline,” Budge said.

With four ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) titles to his name, 28-year-old Bautista says “The ASB Classic is a special place for me and I am happy to be coming back, especially after winning the title last year. Starting the season strong is always important and the ASB Classic allows me to do that.”

With over 64,000 people attending the event earlier this year, the highest in its 61-year history, the ASB Classic continues to grow. The event brings together the top international and local tennis talent, premier food and beverage offerings and the best of fashion and entertainment.

According to Budge, “The ASB Classic has something for everyone making it the perfect summer event and not-to-be-missed.”

More player signings will be announced in the coming months with the full men’s and women’s line-up to be announced late November.

The ASB Classic will span for two weeks; the women's tournament kicking off on January 2nd to 7th followed by the men’s tournament from January 9th to 14th. Tickets are available for purchase through Ticketek. You can purchase tickets either online, over the phone on (0800 842 538) or in person at one of the agencies listed on the event website.

Ends

Tickets and information available at asbclassic.co.nz

About Tennis Auckland: Tennis Auckland is an Incorporated Society providing the delivery of tennis services and activities to its member clubs and the general public in the Auckland area. There are over 50 clubs within the region and a further 14 clubs in the associate Counties region with a total membership of 9,500 affiliates. The ASB Classic is Tennis Auckland’s annual international tennis tournament. The tournament is the premium Summer sporting event that launched more than 60 years ago in Auckland.

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