Founded 1956 Venue ASB Tennis Centre Draw 28S/32Q/16D | Location Auckland
New Zealand Surface Plexicushion | |
Category International Series
(1998–2008)
ATP World Tour 250 series
(2009–current) | ||
The ATP Auckland Open (formally known as the ASB Classic) is a professional men's tennis tournament in Auckland, New Zealand. The tournament is played annually at the ASB Tennis Centre, in Parnell. It is part of the ATP World Tour 250 series of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) World Tour. The tournament is held annually in January a week before the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, the Australian Open.
History
In 1920 when Auckland Tennis was looking for a permanent base, the only available site was a tip in Stanley Street. Undeterred, the local clubs raised the-then enormous sum of 1,800 pounds to prepare the site and build new courts. For the next 30 years the ASB Bank Tennis Centre in Stanley Street was home to hard-fought local tennis matches. In 1956 Auckland hosted its first permanent international tournament, the Auckland Championship. The tournament was a joint men's and women's event until 1981. After being separated for 34 years, the WTA and ATP merged the event in 2016. Heineken will still be a sponsor but will have a diminished role in anticipation of new tennis regulations restricting alcohol sponsorship.
By the 1960s the shuttle bus fare from town to Stanley Street was sixpence. Admission was five shillings for the first three days and 7/6 for finals and semifinals – a whole tournament for the equivalent of $4. By the 1970s, 25 cents got you all-day parking next door at Carlaw Park. Between 1979 and 1989 it was a tournament of the Grand Prix tennis circuit.