Honorary Kiwi Cam Norrie will return to next ear's ASB Classic at Auckland to chase a title that has twice eluded him at the final stage.
The world No.16 was beaten by French veteran Richard Gasquet for this year's crown and also fell to American Tennys Sandgren in 2019 - two of his 14 career finals on the ATP tour for five titles.
Norrie, 28, was born in South Africa, but grew up in Auckland, before transferring to the Great Britain programme as a teenager. He is now the top-ranked British player, with a career-high ranking of No.8 in the world, but his heart remains in New Zealand.
"I think one day I am going to win it," he said. "I just need to go out and do it.
"I don't know when it is going to be, but I will stay patient and hopefully get this one."
Norrie played as a junior at Bucklands Beach and spent much of his youth at Stanley Street learning from the visiting professionals.
"I was always waiting around, watching all the practices, trying to get photos, get their shirts or their wristbands… watching some really top players," he reflected. "Then, having the honour of playing in the tournament and winning matches was pretty cool.
"I never thought I would be able to do that - and to play two finals there already. I hope the next tournament will be unfinished business for me.
"I love playing there. It means a lot to play the tournament."
This year, he has claimed a claycourt title at Rio de Janeiro, defeating world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz in the final, while also making the final at Buenos Aires.
Most recently, he was eliminated in the US Open third round by Italian Matteo Arnaldi.
"To have Cameron back in Auckland again is fantastic for our fans and for the tournament," said director Nicolas Lamperin. "He gave of his time generously off the court, especially with our adaptive players, which was warmly received.
"He remains one of the best players in the world and while he has roots in Auckland where he learned the game, we do not take his appearance here for granted.
"We know he wants to have his name on the ASB Classic Trophy at a venue where he spent so much of his time as a young kid and we know he will have plenty of support."
