Loss of ASB Classic comes at a big cost

Tennis Auckland chairman Simon Vannini believes the region can make it through the year without too much disruption, despite the $1 million lost from no ASB Classic.

TheWTA and ATP tournaments each January prop up Tennis Auckland and make it themost powerful of the six tennis regions.

But the cancellation of this summer’s events because of the coronavirus pandemic leaves the region with a massive shortfall.

However, Vannini says Tennis Auckland has enough cash to get through the year.

‘‘We do have reserves and the board has made the decision not to cut any of its existing programmes or activities out in the community,’’ Vannini said.

‘‘We’re looking to continue to run programmes to boost participation. There was the Love Tennis initiative that Tennis NZ helped drive, which was very successful across Auckland.

‘‘But what this has meant, alongside some other unavoidable costs relating to the cancelled tournaments, means we’re projecting a cash loss of about $500,000 for our year for June 30 next year.

‘‘We would expect in a good year to make about $1million from the tournament. That does go up and down, but the reality is that without the tournaments we have had to be very prudent with our spending, whilst not looking to cut any of our domestic activities.

‘‘Ultimately, we’re planning for a successful tournament in 2022 and we’ve got the support of our partners, sponsors and others in moving forward with the tournaments in 2022.’’