Former Roland Garros finalist David Ferrer has revealed where he intends to play early in 2018. Unsurprisingly, the veteran Spaniard has opted for the Auckland ASB Classic in New Zealand.
Ferrer, 35, is a four-time winner of the event, with titles in 2007, 2011, 2012, and 2013. He struggled on the tour, with just one title in Sweden, and seeing his ranking drop to N0.37. That is his lowest year-end rank since 2004, when he finished No.49.
Ferrer: “Maybe I have one more title there. It is always nice for me to come back to Auckland. It has been such a big part of my career. Somewhere almost like home for me. I have played some of my best tennis there and it will always be very special for me.”
Tournament director Carl Budge: “We have been so privileged to have a player like David for such a long time. His loyalty has been unrivalled and personally I think he deserves a key to the city. He is probably the player we are asked about most if he will be returning. He is loved by fans here and maybe this will be their last time to see someone who is very special for us in Auckland.”
Ferrer joins a tournament already loaded with impressive names. Defending champion Jack Sock is already confirmed. Other former winners including Roberto Bautista-Agut and John Isner will also return.
There is also a number of young players, with four members of the inaugural Next Gen finals set to play in New Zealand. Exciting Canadian Denis Shapovalov will feature, as will Hyeon Chung, the Next Gen finals champion. Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov will represent Russia.
The ASB Classic is considered a significant event largely due to its proximity to the Australian Open in tennis calendar. Right in the early weeks of the season, the ASB Classic is a valuable chance for players to get match-fit ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam in Melbourne.
