ASB Classic bringing the power to Auckland this summer

ASB Classic bringing the power to Auckland this summer

Media Release
Tuesday 4 September

ASB Classic organisers are excited to confirm a duo of announcements which will both be adding power to the 2019 event.

In the first of a string of high-profile player announcements, the ASB Classic are thrilled to welcome back Venus Williams to New Zealand’s premium summer sporting event.

The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion has three times been ranked number one player in the world and has captured 49 WTA singles titles, the second most of any active player (behind sister Serena), 14 major doubles titles and four Olympic Gold Medals.

One of the biggest names in sport for over two decades, Williams, currently ranked 16th in the world, continues to show her power both on and off the court, being a pioneer and role model for women in professional sport.

“It’s great to have Venus back. She has been a special part of this tournament for a number of years and we missed her this year. She is still at the top of the game and how good would it be if she could capture career title number 50 here in Auckland” said Tournament Director, Karl Budge

ASB Head of Sponsorship Mark Graham said he was thrilled to welcome back the former world number one to Auckland.

“Having Venus as our first confirmed player is an exciting start to the tournament and just the beginning of another stellar line-up. The ASB Classic continues to attract some of the world’s top tennis players, and we look forward to seeing it take shape in the coming months as further player announcements are made,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to a fantastic two weeks of tennis in Auckland over the summer.”

Also bringing power to the 2019 ASB Classic is Jaguar, who were today announced as Official Vehicle of the ASB Classic.

The new long-term deal will see the ASB Classic and Jaguar working closely to bring New Zealand’s premium entertainment event to life.

“We are very excited to welcome Jaguar to our family of sponsors at the ASB Classic. Like us, they have won global awards for best in class a number of times in recent years and I think the brand perfectly aligns to ours. Power, performance and that unmistakable elegance of Jaguar. Auckland traffic hasn’t been so bad of late!” said Budge.

Steve Kenchington, Jaguar NZ General Manager said the team at Jaguar were excited to come on board with one of New Zealand’s most prestigious sporting and social events.

“The team at Jaguar NZ is incredibly enthusiastic about picking up the mantle of official vehicle partner and providing a meaningful contribution to the development of New Zealand tennis on the world stage” said Kenchington.

The ASB Classic continues to grow in success year on year with continual growth in sales and international broadcast viewership to over 94 million in 2018.

The 2019 ASB Classic will see a slightly changed schedule from previous years with the introduction of twilight sessions at the start of the Women’s week, which has also been extended to seven playing days (Monday 31 December to Sunday 6 January). The Men’s week will follow straight afterwards, finishing with Men’s Finals Day on Saturday 12 January.

With a majority of sessions selling out each year, fans are encouraged to register their interest at asbclassic.co.nz and secure their access to the exclusive ticket pre-sale window which opens Friday 7 September. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 9am, Wednesday 19 September.

Tickets will be available for purchase through Ticketek either online via ticketek.co.nz, over the phone on (0800 842 538) or in person at one of the agencies listed on the Ticketek website.

Further player signings will be revealed in the coming weeks with the full men’s and women’s line-up to be confirmed late November.

Ends

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