The ASB Classic returned in 2023 after the 2021 and 2022 events were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing travel restrictions for international visitors to New Zealand.[1][2][3]
History
In the 1920s major new tennis venues were built in Auckland for the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association (now Tennis Auckland), Wellington and Christchurch in the 1920s comprising both grass and hard courts.[4] In 1920 when the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association (now Tennis Auckland) was looking for a permanent base, the only available site was a tip in Stanley Street. The local clubs raised the-then significant sum of 1,800 pounds to prepare the site and build new courts. For the next 30 years the Tennis Centre in Stanley Street was home to local tennis matches. In 1956 Auckland hosted its first permanent international tournament, the 'Auckland Invitation'.[5] The tournament was a joint men's and women's event until 1981.[6]
From 1969, the first edition in the open era of tennis, until 1995 the tournament was known under its sponsored name 'Benson and Hedges Open'. From 1998 until 2015 it was named the 'Heineken Open'.[7]
By the 1960s the shuttle bus fare from town to Stanley Street was sixpence. Admission was five shillings for the first three days and 7/6 for finals and semifinals – a whole tournament for the equivalent of $4.[citation needed] By the 1970s, 25 cents got you all-day parking next door at Carlaw Park.[citation needed] The tournament was played on outdoor grass courts from its inaugural edition in 1956 until 1977, switching to hard courts in 1978.[8][9] Between 1979 and 1989 it was a tournament of the Grand Prix tennis circuit.
After being separated for 34 years, the WTA and ATP merged the event in 2016 and both tournaments are now known collectively as the ASB Classic. Heineken will still be a sponsor but will have a diminished role in anticipation of new tennis regulations restricting alcohol sponsorship.[10]
Both the 2021 and 2022 Auckland Open were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In regards to the 2022 cancellation, organizers cited New Zealand's strict quarantine rules as making it intractable for players, officials, and all other required staff to be admitted into the country.[11][12]
^Romanos, Joseph (5 September 2013). "Tennis: Consolidation, 1920s to 1940s". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Ministry for Culture and Heritage, New Zealand. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^John Brooks (16 February 1978). "Davis Cup venue change hinted". The Press. p. 30 – via Papers Past. The new surface in Auckland was installed at a cost of $300,000 because the grass courts get so little use during a year and were subject to frequent wash-outs.
Alejandro Tabilo
Nikola Mektić
Wesley Koolhof
