Photo: Photosport / Chris Symes
American teenage tennis star Coco Gauff has confirmed that she will defend her title at the ASB Classic in Auckland in January.
The seventh-ranked Gauff made her announcement after claiming victory in the DC Open in Washington earlier this week, beating world No. 8 Maria Sakkariin straight sets in the final, lodging her first tournament victory since her triumph in Auckland.
Gauff, 19, said Auckland and the event are among her favourite experiences on the circuit.
"Auckland was one of the first tournaments that we pencilled in," she said.
"That is not just because it is important to defend the title that I was honoured to win last year, but it is a great way to start my year as the lead-in to the Australian Open.
"My family all came with me and we love New Zealand and Auckland and everything it has to offer."
ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said the organisation is thrilled to have Gauff return.
"We forget that Coco is still such a young player but remains in the top echelon of the women's game," he said.
"On the court she is one of the most exciting players on the circuit and she remains the only teenager in the top 50 on the WTA rankings, which means that our tennis fans are privileged to watch one of the world's great players in action.
"Coco is not only an exciting player, she is a wonderful young person who is extremely grounded in her desire to give back to young players, especially those from areas where opportunities in tennis are more difficult establish."\
Lamperin said he expects to name several exciting players in the coming weeks.
- RNZ