Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

ASB Classic organizers are pleased to announce that Finn Tearney has been awarded the final main draw wildcard to join the already impressive men’s lineup.

New Zealand number one Tearney (currently ranked 363) climbed more than 1000 places in 2015 and claimed a maiden Futures Tour singles title in Cairns in October and was a finalist twice. He also captured four Futures doubles titles.

ASB Classic organisers felt the 25-year-old New Zealand deserved the wildcard for his efforts in the past season. “It’s fantastic to be able to offer Finn a wildcard for this tournament. It has has had an astonishing year having seen him rise quickly through the rankings. It’s nice to be able to reward him for his efforts by handing him a main draw wildcard. ” said Karl Budge, ASB Classic Tournament Director.

For the men’s singles qualifying tournament Cameron Norrie (ranked 717) has also got a golden opportunity, with the draw featuring only 16 players.

The 20-year-old left hander has impressed playing for TCU (Texas Christian University) in College tennis as a sophomore having claimed the inaugural Oracle ITA Masters title in 2015. He was also won an ITF Futures title in Mansfield. The former ITF junior number ten also reached the quarter-finals in Waco. Norrie has competed at the junior events at all four Grand Slams: the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

ASB Classic organisers are delighted to offer Norrie a chance to return to New Zealand.  “I’m happy to invite Cameron back, this is his home and we hope he can show the kiwi crowds how much he has developed as a player. He has had some positive results last season and hopefully Auckland provides a great launching pad for 2016.” says Tournament Director, Karl Budge.

The final Qualifying spot has been awarded to fellow kiwi Artem Sitak.  Sitak finished runner up in the New Zealand Championships and has focused more on his doubles in 2015, however he still possesses a strong singles game as shown by beating the countries best in December.

The ASB Classic men’s qualifying tournament will be played at ASB Tennis Arena from 9 to 10 January, while the men’s main draw begins on Monday 11 January.

Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.