Top 10 Player confirmed for ASB Classic

The ASB Classic is pleased to announce the return of two-time champion John Isner for the 2019 tournament.

The current world number ten has had a career best year in 2018, peaking at number eight in the world, capturing his fifth Atlanta Open title in six years and in a career defining moment, winning his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Miami.

It was the best week in Isner’s impressive career beating three top ten players (Cilic, 3, Zverev, 5 and del Potro, 6) as well as Australian Open semi-finalist Hyeon Chung en route to lift the trophy.

He followed up this breakthrough victory by reaching the semi-final’s in Wimbledon, losing an epic six-hour encounter to eventual runner up Kevin Anderson, and the making the quarter-finals at the US Open.

The six-foot-ten giant’s serve is feared by all tour players and considered the biggest in the game. This is proven in the numbers as well, with the North Carolina native sitting in second place for most aces ever served in the ATP Tour history with 10,757.

Auckland has certainly been a happy hunting ground for Isner winning two titles (2010 and 2014) and he’s looking forward to returning.

“I love playing in Auckland. It’s such a great place to play, the crowds are awesome it’s and one of the best stops on the tour. It’s where I won my first ATP title, and I’m looking forward to playing there again in 2019.” said Isner

ASB Classic Tournament Director Karl Budge was happy to have the big hitting American back in Auckland for another year.

“He obviously loves playing here and we’re happy about that. He has been one of the best players on tour this season. He has had some huge top ten wins and his Masters 1000 title was well deserved for a guy that has achieved as much on tour as John has” said Budge.

“That serve of his is pretty impressive. We know he can throw down some pretty quick speeds when he gets going so let’s see what he brings to centre court for the fans in 2019” continued Budge.

Whatever top speed he hits it’s clear Isner serves up his best at the ASB Classic, and if history is anything to go by the big serving American will again deliver in January.

Isner is the first announcement of the Men’s field for the 2019 ASB Classic with more players to be announced in the coming weeks.

The ASB Classic will span for two weeks with the Women's tournament kicking off on December 31 to January 6 followed by the Men’s tournament from January 7 to 12. Tickets are on sale to the general public now via Ticketek either online at ticketek.co.nz or over the phone at 0800 842 538.

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