Defending champs returning to Classic
Defending ASB Classic champions Lauren Davis and Jack Sock have both confirmed they’ll be returning to Auckland in January to defend their titles.
The two Americans have made New Zealand a regular destination on their schedules each year and have decided to make the trip again as part of their build-ups to the Australian Open.
The 24-year-old Davis is currently ranked 47 in the world and hasn’t been able to build on her success in Auckland, where she caused a surprise after surprise, knocking out four seeded players, including Jelena Ostapenko, who is now ranked No 7.
Davis has defeated Elena Vesnina and Agnieszka Radwanska this year but has only won two matches since Wimbledon and neither of those victories were players ranked inside the top 100.
‘‘I can’t wait to come back to Auckland,’’ Davis said.
‘‘It’s one of my favourite tournaments of the year, I have some of the best memories, most memorable experiences, winning my first WTA title.
‘‘The fans are just amazing. I have some of the most supportive, most loving, most motivating fans from Auckland. I can’t wait to come back and do it again.’’
Sock though has had a more impressive season and is ranked 23 in the world.
He has notched up two wins against Canadian Milos Raonic, the first in the final of the Delray Beach Open and has also defeated Kei Nishikori and Grigor Dimitrov this year.
Although not to the same extent, the 25-year-old Sock has suffered an end-of-season slump, losing in the first round at four of his last five tournaments, before this week’s event in Basel.
At the Swiss tournament, Sock defeated Canadian Vasek Pospisil 3-6 7-6 7-5.
‘‘I’m really excited to be coming back to the ASB Classic,’’ Sock said of his return to Auckland.
‘‘I have some amazing memories winning their last (sic) year.
‘‘Playing in front of all of you on centre court, it’s an incredible atmosphere, you bring so much energy, so definitely excited to come back down to Auckland and play in front of you guys’’.
Each year it’s a priority of tournament director Karl Budge to get back the defending champions, so he’s delighted at being able to do that again.
‘‘It’s always great to get your defending champions back,’’ Budge said.
‘‘Importantly for us, they are two of the players we are asked most about so to be able to announce them today is exciting.
‘‘Jack plays at an incredibly high level in Auckland. The court surface suits him and I would imagine he will be hard to beat again next year.
‘‘Lauren is just so enjoyable to watch.
‘‘Her personality is there for everyone to see on court and I think she might have the fastest feet on tour.
‘‘It is never an easy match for her opponents and the fact that she won’t be seeded means there will be a few worried players looking at where she will land in the draw next year.’’
Players already confirmed for the Classic are Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska in the women’s draw, while John Isner and Roberto Bautista Agut will play in the men’s event.
The Classic runs from January 1-13 and more big name players are expected to be announced over the the next few weeks.