Full Field welcomes seven players inside the world top 30

For immediate release Wednesday 20 November

ASB Classic Full Field welcomes world number 14, Roberta Vinci, NZ top seed, Marina Erakovic, and seven players inside the world’s top 30

In one of the most exciting years to date, the NZ Festival of Tennis is thrilled to announce the ASB Classic full field, which includes two Grand Slam Singles champions, two former world number ones and a former champion as well as seven players ranked inside the world’s top 30.

Joining the already announced Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic, will be world number 14 Roberta Vinci, Kirsten Flipkens (20), Sorana Cirstea (22), Elena Vesina (25), Jamie Hampton (28), and Lucie Safarova (29). Please find the ASB Classic Full Field list at the end of this release.

Tennis fans will also be excited to catch local hero, Marina Erakovic, who won her first WTA Singles tournament this year in Memphis – the first time a New Zealander has won a WTA Singles title since Belinda Caldwell in 1989. Marina also reached the third round of the French Open and Wimbledon in a career best year for the Aucklander.

This year’s top seed Roberta Vinci (Italy) will join the tournament after a year which saw her achieve a career-high ranking of world number 11, take home two WTA Singles titles, and reach the Quarter Finals of the US open, as well as the third round of the Australian Open, where she also won the Grand Slam Doubles title with her fellow compatriot, Sara Errani. Vinci comes to Auckland as the number one ranked doubles player in the world.

“To have a field featuring eight players in the world’s top 30 as well as Venus, Marina and former champion (Wickmayer) means fans will catch outstanding tennis no matter which session they attend,” says Tournament Director, Karl Budge.

“With the likes of Venus, Wickmayer and renowned giant killer Laura Robson all being outside the protected seeds, we will see some very tough match ups in the first two days.”

The 2014 ASB Classic field will offer a truly international line-up, celebrating world-class tennis on the local stage at the NZ Festival of Tennis.

“This year marks our eighteenth year of bringing world class women’s tennis to Auckland with the 2014 ASB Classic,” says ASB Chief Executive Barbara Chapman.

“With such a stellar line up of players, the upcoming tournament will see one of the strongest fields ever in New Zealand, offering a unique experience to local tennis fans.”

Full Field announcements join already announced players Venus Williams, Ana Ivanovic, Laura Robson, and Monica Puig.

The 2014 ASB Classic runs from 30 December this year to 4 January 2014
Tickets are available from Ticketek
www.festivaloftennis.co.nz

As well as centre court tickets – the NZ Festival of Tennis has introduced the all-new Ground Pass, for just $15. The Ground Pass lets fans watch every match live on a giant screen at the Heineken Baseline Live-site throughout the tournaments, along with daily music performances, entertainment offerings, and premium dining.

All centre court matches for the ASB Classic will be screened live on SKY TV from the scheduled start of play at midday.

ASB Classic Full Field
30 December 2013 – 4 January 2014
ASB Tennis Arena, Auckland

ENDS

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