The ASB Classic has added another major drawcard to its line-up, with confirmation that former world number four Tomas Berdych will play in January's tournament.
The Czech has 13 ATP tour titles to his name and is ninth on the list of all-time prize-money earners.
He's reached the semi-final stage of all four Grand Slams and can lay claim to being one of only three players to have beaten all four members of the big four - Federer, Nadal, Murray, and Djokovic - at majors.
Two of those came at Wimbledon in 2010, where he upset defending champion Federer and Djokovic on his way to the final, which he lost to Rafael Nadal.
This year, Berdych defeated Juan Martin del Potro to clinch a quarter-final berth at the Australian Open, where he lost to Federer.
A back injury has seen him sidelined since June and the 33-year-old will hope to work his way back to full health in New Zealand.
"I have wanted to play the ASB Classic for a long time," said Berdych. "Every year I hear so many good things and I have always wanted to play.
"I have had a good break and my body is feeling really good. I am looking forward to seeing Auckland for the first time."
Tournament director Karl Budge is thrilled to secure Berdych, who will enter the competition as one of the favourites.
"This has been a long time coming," said Budge. "We have chased Tomas every year that I have been tournament director and desperately wanted to get him out here.
"He has quite possibly been the best player behind the big four. In any other era, he would be a multiple Grand Slam champion.
"We can't wait to see him finally play here".
Berdych joins former champions John Isner and Roberto Bautista-Agut, as well as Australian Open semi-finalist Hyeon Chun in a growing men's field.
More names will be announced in the coming weeks.
Newshub.
