Two-time champ to return to the ASB Classic

Media Release
Strict Embargo: 12 September 2017 – 4.30 P.M

Two-time champ to return to the ASB Classic

The ASB Classic is pleased to announce the return of two-time champion John Isner for the January event.

The American number one continues to show, particularly on the hard courts, he’s one of the games toughest opponents. The 32-year-old captured two ATP Tour titles (Newport and for the fourth consecutive year, Atlanta) in 2017 and made semi-final appearances at the Rome and Cincinnati Masters level events. He is currently in the third round of the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

However, it is fond memories of Auckland that ensures there is no question where his preparations for the Australian Open will commence.

“Auckland will always hold a special place in my heart, it’s where I won my first ATP title. I love Auckland, I’ve always played well there and I can’t wait to get back there in 2018.”

Auckland has certainly been a happy hunting ground for Isner winning two titles (2010 and 2014) and making at least the quarter finals in all three of his other appearances.

“He obviously loves playing here and we are pretty happy about that. He is an entertaining guy with massive weapons” said Tournament Director Karl Budge.

“When that serve fires up it is pretty impressive. We might throw down a challenge to see if he can crack 240kp/h this year. He has done it abroad before so maybe we can rally him up for one of his best here!” Continued Budge.

The six-foot-ten giant’s serve is feared by all tour players and considered the biggest in the game. However, his consistency in recent years has come off the back of significant strides in his ground strokes and net play. This consistency will see the North Carolina native go to at least world number 13 when the updated rankings are released on Monday and could leap as high as number nine depending on results.

“He will be in and around that top ten mark at the end of the year which is obviously great for the ASB Classic. We want top ten talent and it still remains unknown if the big fella will be our top seed for 2018” said Budge.

It’s clear Isner serves up his best at the ASB Classic, and if history is anything to go by the big serving America will again deliver in January.

The ASB Classic will span for two weeks; the women's tournament kicking off on January 1st to 6th followed by the men’s tournament from January 8th to 13th. Tickets will be 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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