World No.2, Casper Ruud will make his way down under

World No 2 Casper Ruud confirms his entry for ASB Classic.
Norway’s Casper Ruud has celebrated his rise to the top of the world tennis rankings, with confirmation that he will compete in the 2023 ASB Classic in Auckland.
The 23-year-old, who jumped to No 2 in the world after finishing runner-up at the US Open this week, will become the highest-ranked male player in recent times to compete at the ASB Classic.
Ruud, who went out in the round of 32 at the ASB Classic when last played in 2020, has worked his way up the global rankings, the first Norwegian to break into the top-10, let alone reach No 2 on the back of his outstanding performances at the US Open.
In a breakthrough year for the Norwegian, he has reached two Grand Slam finals, at the French Open and now the US Open. He was also runner-up at the 1000s event in Miami and won three ATP 250s this year in Buenos Aires, Geneva and Gstaad. Ruud has won nine ATP singles titles so far throughout his career.
His confirmed entry is another massive boost for the event, set for Auckland from 2-14 January after a two-year absence, coming with the announcement that tickets will go on 27 September.
“This is a fantastic coup for the event, for ASB and for tennis fans,” said ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin.
“Casper has been one of the most improved players on the circuit over the last 18 months and is part of the new breed of exciting, athletic and skilful players.
“He enjoyed our tournament when he last played here and had indicated he wanted to come back. It is a huge extra bonus for all tennis fans that he comes back as one of the world’s best players.”
Ruud, who likes to have plenty of match-time under his belt before a grand slam, is keen to return to New Zealand as he prepares for the Australian Open, which he missed this year with injury.
“New Zealand is a very beautiful country. I’ve been a couple of times before. The conditions are very similar to Melbourne so it is a nice tournament to play and I look forward to it,” said Ruud. “I am a player who likes to play a lot of matches if I can. New Zealand’s a nice event and a place I have happy memories from.
“It is typically good weather. It’s summer time and I am coming from Norway where it is Christmas snowing and cold. They have a good culture, good food, good people and it’s fun to play in front of New Zealand crowds.
“There’s a good history of tennis at the tournament which has been played for many years so they know what they are doing.
“I am a big fan of the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings movies that were recorded there. I know the nature and the scenery are incredible so that would be nice to explore.”
Ruud, who has climbed from a career high seventh in the world at the start of the year, began playing tennis with his father Christian, a former ATP Professional. He trained at the Academy of his idol, Rafa Nadal during his early years.
The news comes as additional positive information is released on the economic benefit from the event.
ASB Chief Transformation Officer Lohit Kalburgi says, “The ASB Classic showcases the best Auckland has to offer. Not only does it attract thousands of fans, but our latest research shows it can be expected to bring a boost in consumer spending to the region of as much as $27 million. With this fantastic news on the entry from Casper Ruud and other international stars now confirmed, the 2023 tournament promises to be a highlight.”
The ASB Classic returns 2 – 14 January, 2023 at the iconic ASB Tennis Centre, Stanley St, Auckland.
Join the waitlist to get priority access to purchase tickets when they go on sale. Click HERE
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday 27 September via Ticketek.co.nz