ASB Classic organisers have confirmed the international tennis showpiece will continue next January with full financial support from the naming-rights sponsor.
This week, Newshub reported the tournament faced a dilemma over the possible involvement of Russian and Belarusian players, against the political background of ongoing war in Ukraine.
Newshub understands, if Russian or Belarusian players contest the men's or women's draws, sponsor ASB would withdraw its name from the event, which would become the Auckland Classic.
In a joint statement, ASB, Tennis Auckland and Tennis NZ insist the tournament will continue with the sponsor's full financial contribution - but they stop short of clarifying the naming issue.
"Media reports this week have speculated abut the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players in the January 2023 event," they said. "To be clear, the 2023 tournament will go ahead as planned with ASB's full financial support.
"Under WTA and ATP regulations, tournament organisers must allow Russian and Belarusian players to enter the tournament, if they are sufficiently well ranked.
"We all understand that Tennis Auckland and Tennis New Zealand are in a difficult position, and there is no suggestion that ASB would withdraw its significant financial support for the tournament, should Russian or Belarusian player compete."
On Monday, ASB told Newshub: "There are currently no Russian or Belarusian players confirmed or under negotiation to play at the ASB Classic.
"After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, we would very much like to see a successful ASB Classic go ahead in 2023.
"We are working with tournament organisers to ensure we can continue to support the event, while still aligning with our values as a company."
If the tournament were to ban players, the game's international bodies would likely strip the event of ranking points, as they did when Wimbledon took a stand in June/July.
