Quarantine restrictions have lead to the cancellation of the ASB Classic tennis tournament for a second straight year.
Jessica Pegula from the United States competing at the ASB Classic in 2020. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Tournament organisers confirmed on Wednesday the men's and women's tournament, traditionally held in the first two weeks of the year in central Auckland, will not be going ahead in 2022 due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Tennis Auckland board chair Simon Vannini said "current immigration and quarantine requirements mean it's just not feasible."
Organisers were working through a range of scenarios in hopes that a tournament would be possible in January, however due to immigration requirements for the over 250 athletes, officials and staff that would be required to travel to New Zealand for the event, a positive outcome was not possible, tournament organisers said in a statement.
The 2021 tournament was also called off due to complications running the event amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge stepped down in March.
Budge was in the role for nine years, during which time he has led the tennis tournament through a period of unprecedented growth in terms of attendance, revenue and international coverage.
A replacement for Budge is yet to be appointed.
Vannini was disappointed that the tournament will not return next year, but was confident tennis in New Zealand would not suffer.
"We are working closely with Tennis NZ on some alternative ideas that we think will keep tennis fans excited, and we will continue to ensure tennis remains one of New Zealand's favourite sports," Vannini said.