Photo: ASB Classic/Photosport
A seven-time Grand Slam champion, an Olympic medalist and the Philippines' first top 50 player were among the initial 25 players confirmed for the 2026 ASB Classic women's tennis tournament in Auckland.
A field that cut off direct entries at world number 92 for a WTA 250 tournament and included some of the sport's most recognisable names did not happen by chance.
Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin spent months finding the players that were the right fit for the tournament starting 5 January.
Sometimes a situation fell in Lamperin's favour, other times he needed to take a loss and move on.
"Relationships are key," Lamperin said.
"We know that the fans want to see some famous names which is why we go for the highest ranked player, someone like Venus Williams would
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