World tennis No.4 and recent US Open finalist Daniil Medvedev has confirmed he'll make his debut in the Auckland men's draw in January.
The 23-year-old Russian won the hearts of many fans on Monday (NZ time), when he fought back from two sets down to go the distance against Rafael Nadal in the New York final.
Medvedev fought valiantly, but lost in the deciding fifth set, as Nadal claimed his 19th Grand Slam title.
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Just weeks earlier, he reached his maiden ATP Tour Masters final in Toronto, then captured his first title a week later in Cincinnati, beating Novak Djokovic for the second time in 2019.
"I've heard a lot about Auckland and I'm looking forward to playing there," said Medvedev. "I've got friends who've played there before and they talk about how much they enjoy it, so I'm excited to get there.
"It has been a great last few weeks. My game has really come together well and it is nice to be beating players I looked up to for so long."
Medvedev's addition follows news that both US Open women's singles finalists Bianca Andreescu and Serena Williams and Bianca Andreescu will contest the Auckland women's event.
ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge is thrilled to have secured one of the most hotly contested signatures on the circuit for the first time.
"Daniil is in amazing form right now and only getting better," said Budge. "Not many players have got multiple wins over Novak, let alone twice in one year.
"Having the world No.4 is a huge get for us. He's one of the highest-ranked male players we've ever had come to Auckland.
"With what we know we have up our sleeve, we are in great shape to quite possibly sell out the entire fortnight for the first time."
The ASB Classic will take over Auckland for two weeks, with the women hitting centrecourt from January 6-12, followed by men's tournament from January 13-18.
Further player signings will follow in the coming weeks, with the full women's and men's line-ups to be confirmed late November.
Newshub.
