Radwanska, Bautista Agut to play Classic

Two former ASB Classic champions have been confirmed for next year’s tournament, with Agnieszka Radwanska and Roberto Bautista Agut both announced.

Radwanska from Poland won in Auckland in 2013 and is currently ranked No 11 in the world.

It has been a consistent year for the 28-year-old with her only final being in Sydney in January.

However, the former world No 2 remains one of the biggest names in the women’s game on the global circuit.

She reached the final at Wimbledon in 2012 and has been to the semifinals at a grand slam on four other occasions.

Radwanska, who has won 20 WTA titles, is one of the most entertaining players on the circuit to watch, she has a big backhand and has an odd technique of squatting down, almost to her knees, to hit low forehands.

The two-time junior Grand Slam winner is excited about returning to Auckland for just the second time.

‘‘I have never lost in Auckland so I have very good memories,’’ Radwanska said.

‘‘It always amazes me that the crowds are full right from the start.

‘‘You don’t get that at a lot of tournaments and makes it a great place for us to play.’’

Bautista Agut won the men’s Classic last year, defeating Jack Sock in the final and the 29-yearold Spaniard is currently ranked 13 in the world.

It has been another impressive year for Bautista Agut. Last month he won the ATP tourna- ment in Winston-Salem, USA, while he has been able to record wins over Gael Monfils, Ryan Harrison, Kei Nishikori, Pablo Carreno Busta and Sam Querrey.

He also won the ATP tournament at Chennai, India at the beginning of this year.

Unlike most Spanish players, Bautista Agut isn’t just a clay court specialist and is equally at home on hard courts, where his strong shots from the baseline and quick speed around the court serve him well.

Next year will be Bautista Agut’s sixth time playing at the Classic.

‘‘For me Auckland is great to start the new season and prepare myself for Melbourne,’’ Bautista Agut said.

‘‘I like the court and have played very well there. Maybe I can win another title.’’

There will be more player announcements over the next few months, but to have players of the quality of Radwanska and Bautista Agut already confirmed, suggests there could be two strong fields again for the women’s and men’s tournaments, which begin on January 1.