End of an Era. Ferrer final appearance at ASB Classic

End of an Era. Ferrer set for final appearance at ASB Classic

Media Release
Sunday 16 December

The 2019 ASB Classic men’s line-up just got even stronger with the signing of former champion David Ferrer.

Ferrer, who earlier this year announced that the 2019 season would be his last, confirmed the ASB Classic will be included in his farewell tour which features a select group of the most important events.

Ferrer has already captured four titles at the ASB Classic and sits alongside Australian Roy Emerson as the tournament’s most successful ever champion. A fifth title would be well deserved for the loyal Spaniard and a fitting way to sign off his relationship with Auckland.

His loyalty to the Auckland event is unprecedented, playing 13 times. In addition to this his four wins, making the semi-finals four times and the quarter finals on three occasions.

Ferrer has been hot on the heals of the ‘Big Four’ (Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic) for the past decade and is often considered the unluckiest player not to capture a Grand Slam. Throughout his impressive career, the Spaniard has won 27 ATP career titles and amassed more than $32 million in prize money – the seventh highest of all time.

A three-time Davis Cup champion, who has had a career high world ranking of 3, Ferrer has racked up an impressive 53 wins over top 10 players, including six wins over current world number 1 Rafael Nadal and five over Novak Djokovic.

ASB Classic Tournament Director Karl Budge is thrilled that the tournament has been included on this exclusive list.

“David is such a great person and such a special player. He’s helped establish the ASB Classic as one of the most respected events on the tour and played a crucial part in us building the quality fields we now have coming now year-in and year-out”.

“To be included on David’s list of favourite tournaments, and one of the few events he’ll be playing in 2019, is really fantastic. We’re honoured to be able to have him back out on centre court one more time and we know he’s going to put on a performance for his loyal fans.”

“You don’t get many records like David’s, to progress to the finals 9 out of 13 times speaks volumes about his character. We will organise something special to say goodbye to a very close friend and humble champion come January.”

Ferrer’s commitment to the ASB Classic has also been recognised by naming rights sponsor ASB.

“David Ferrer has been a regular at the ASB Classic over the years and we know he has huge support from New Zealand fans. We’re delighted to welcome him back to Auckland for his 14th event, and to see if he can win a record fifth title at the tournament,” says ASB head of community and sponsorship Mark Graham.

The full field for the Men’s week tournament has been announced and with a stellar line-up of players already confirmed including John Isner, Gael Monfils, Tomas Berdych, Denis Shapovalov and Fabio Fognini, this year is looking to be another super showcase of international tennis talent for Auckland.

The ASB Classic will span for two weeks; the women's tournament kicking off on December 31 to January 6 followed by the men’s tournament from January the 7 to 12. Tickets are available for purchase through Ticketek either online, over the phone on (0800 842 538) or in person at one of the agencies listed on the event website.

Ends.

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