Thirty-one year-old Italian star Fabio Fognini has confirmed that he will play at next January’s ASB Classic in Auckland from 7 to 12 January 2019.
Fognini will be the second seeded player in the field with his current ranking of world number 13.
Fognini has enjoyed a very consistent season and equalled his career-high of world number 13 after winning three tournaments in Sao Paulo, Bastad and Los Cabos (where he beat Juan Martin Del Potro), reached the final in Chengdu and the semifinals in Sydney, Rio De Janeiro, Geneva, Beijing and Stockolm. He was in contention for a qualifying spot for the Nitto ATP Finals in London.
It was a successful season for Italian men’s tennis. Two Italian players (Fognini and this year’s Roland Garros semifinalist Marco Cecchinato) ended the season in the top 20 of the ATP Ranking for the first time since 1979.
Fognini made his debut in Auckland in 2010 and is set to make his fourth appearance in the ASB Classic. He lost in the first round for two consecutive years in 2010 and 2011 and reached the quarter final in 2016, when he lost 7-5 7-6 (7-4) against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in a hard-fought match.
Fognini won eight tournaments in his career and is the only player to beat Rafa Nadal after rallying from two sets down in a Grand Slam tournament.
“I like playing in Auckland. I have had some great matches there and the crowd is amazing to play in front of. I have playing some great tennis this year and I hope to do the same in 2019”,said Fognini.
ASB Tournament Director Karl Budge is happy to have secured Fognini for next January’s Auckland tournament.
“Fabio is one of the most entertaining blokes on tour. He plays with that Italian passion and flare that captivates crowds. It is great to have him in the field”, said Auckland Tournament Director Karl Budge.
Fognini will not the only Italian player in Auckland, because the field will also feature this year’s Roland Garros semifinalist Marco Cecchinato, who started the year ranked world number 90 and reached his career-high of 19. Cecchinato won two tournaments in Budapest and Umag.
The other top names in the field are Canadian Next Gen star Denis Shapovalov, world number 10 player John Isner, defending champion Roberto Bautista Agut, Gael Monfils, 2018 Australian Open semifinalist Hyeon Chung and former top 10 Tomas Berdych.
Isner won his maiden Masters 1000 title in Miami, reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon and qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals in London.
Roberto Bautista Agut will defend his title won in 2018. The Spanish player battled past Robin Haase in a three-hour semifinal 6-7 7-6 7-6 before beating Juan Martin Del Potro in the final to claim his second title in Auckland. Bautista went on to win his second title of the year in Dubai.
He beat top ten players Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin Del Potro to reach the semifinals at the Montreal Masters 1000 tournament in 2017. This year he qualified for his second Masters 1000 tournament at the Madrid Mutua Open.
Tomas Berdych will make his first appearance in Auckland. The Czech star is one of the three players who have beaten the “Big Four” Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray in Grand Slam tournaments and reached his career-high of world number 4 in May 2015.
Denis Shapovalov reached his career-high of world number 23 becoming the youngest ranked player in the top 25 since Richard Gasquet in 2005. The Canadian teenager is set to return to Auckland for the second consecutive year.
“Auckland is awesome. I jumped off the Sky Tower when I was there last time. I am not sure what I will do on this visit but I am sure I will find something fun”,said Shapovalov.
The young Canadian player will be joined in the field by Hyeon Chung, who won the inaugural edition of the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan in 2017.
“There is a lot of talent on the rise, a lot of guys that are the real deal. It’s motivating in a way. Almost every week there is someone new, doing really well. Danil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas have their own style. I have my own style. We all have weapons and weeknesses. It’s going to be interesting to see who is able to be the best version of themselves, who is on top in the next couple of years. I did not expect to be where I am at this moment. It’s been happening so quick. This year I just wanted to stay in the top 50, maintain that ranking. I am really happy to be where I am at the moment. I am currently ranked world number 27 in the world. It’s a huge jump from last year. I have enjoyed a really successful season”,said Shapovalov.
ASB Classic Tournament Director Karl Budge is excited to see Shapovalov in action in Auckland.
“We got a taste of what Shapovalov can deliver this year and can’t wait to see more. There is no question he is a star of the future, and he is delivering some big matches right now. He is so athletic and dynamic, he is just exciting to watch on court. The ASB Classic has a reputation for showcasing the next generation of talent. Nadal, Federer, Murray and Wozniacki all played here early in their careers”,said Budge.