Some of the biggest names in world tennis may be missing from next year's ASB Classic.
As first revealed by Newshub, Nicolas Lamperin has been unveiled as the new director of a tournament that will return in 2023, after a three-year absence, and he's keen to make it his own.
"We have to build on the strength of the tournament," he told Newshub.
The tournament will be back on the New Zealand sporting calendar for the first time since pre-COVID-19 and with it comes a new boss.
A former player agent for the likes of Grand Slam champions Stan Wawrinka and Marion Bartoli, Lamperin will canvas the world for big names, but the Frenchman's already taken a strong stance and is putting his foot down on one of the biggest issues in the game.
When asked by Newshub whether he'll scope out Russian or Belarussian players, Lamperin replied: "No, we made it very clear to our partners that we won't approach any Russian or Belarusians, and we won't give them any wildcards either."
That's two of the top 10 men and three of the top 20 women, plus many other leading players.
The WTA and ATP currently allow players from Russia and Belarus to compete under a neutral flag, despite those nations' involvement in the invasion of Ukraine, and have even stripped Wimbledon of ranking points, after it banned them from this year's event.
But Tennis New Zealand chief executive Julie Patterson supports Lamperin's decision.
"Tournaments are governed by Tennis New Zealand and Tennis Auckland, so it’s a tournament decision," she said.
Newshub understands the relationship between the ASB Classic and its newly re-signed naming partner could turn frosty, if Russian or Belarussian players are allowed to compete.
Regardless, Lamperin has already had valuable conversations.
"I have some offers on the table, we're just expecting some answers and hopefully I can give you names soon."
But for now at least, you can cross a few names off the list.
