The ASB Classic returns this January 2027, building on the momentum and huge success of the 2026 tournament. 

We are continuing to refine the overall customer experience and broadening accessibility and appeal for general audiences and families. 

 Key enhancements for 2027 include:

• The majority of ticket prices will be held for 2027, for the third consecutive year
• An improved retail space and front gate experience that provides a more welcoming sense of entry into the tournament
• The establishment of a network of official ASB Classic Fan Zones within tennis clubs across New Zealand - details about this programme coming soon
• Enhancements to the Robinson Stand and VIP Terrace based on patron feedback from this year

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For more than 70 years, international tennis has been played at Stanley Street. From grass courts and legendary champions to record-breaking crowds and one of New Zealand’s biggest sporting events, the ASB Classic has a remarkable history.

The story began in 1956, when the first international invitational was held at Stanley Street. Visionary administrators from the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association established the event, laying the foundations for what would become one of New Zealand’s longest-running international sporting events.

From the beginning, the tournament attracted some of the biggest names in world tennis. A look through the honour roll reads like a who’s who of the sport, with champions including Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong and Björn Borg all making their way to Auckland.

New Zealand players also made their mark. Dame Ruia Morrison was a standout, defeating Margaret Court to win the women’s singles on two occasions in the early 1960s. Morrison was also the first Māori player to compete at Wimbledon and reached the quarter-finals there, cementing her place as one of New Zealand tennis’ greats.

A changing game

The professionalisation of tennis in the 1970s brought significant change to the tournament.

As the professional tours began to take shape, with Billie Jean King helping establish the WTA and the ATP emerging in the years before, international tennis became increasingly structured. New regulations and standards changed the way tournaments were run, and the Auckland event continued to evolve alongside the global game.

That evolution has continued ever since, with increasing focus on providing the best possible environment for players while continually improving the experience for fans.

The rise of the modern Classic

Major commercial partnerships helped take the tournament to another level.

Benson & Hedges was a familiar name around Stanley Street for more than two decades, while Heineken played an important role in the growth of the men's tournament and Nutri-Metics supported the women's event.

Then came ASB.

The 2026 tournament marked 30 years of ASB's partnership with the event. ASB initially partnered with the women's tournament before becoming naming rights partner of both the men's and women's tournaments in 2015.

The partnership has helped drive the tournament's continued growth, with a shared focus on raising standards and pushing boundaries year after year.

Moments to remember

Over the years, the ASB Classic has played host to some unforgettable moments.

Roger Federer appeared in Auckland as a 17-year-old, playing on the back courts and losing in the first round. Rafael Nadal reached his first ATP final in Auckland.

On the women's side, Venus Williams became one of the tournament's most popular champions, visiting Auckland seven times and winning the title. She also played an important role in bringing her sister Serena Williams to the tournament.

Serena went on to win the ASB Classic in 2020, a title that would become the final WTA singles title of her career.

These are just some of the many moments that have helped shape the tournament's history.

Continuing to grow

More than 70 years after the first international invitational, the ASB Classic continues to evolve.

The 2026 tournament saw records being set across ticket sales, spectators, sponsorship, food and beverage sales, while new seating increased opportunities for fans to experience the tennis at Stanley Street.

The Centre Court capacity was expanded by around 450 seats following the demolition of the old Robinson Stand. A new scaffolding-based grandstand added around 250 seats, while another new grandstand in the north-west corner added approximately 210 more.

The changes reflect the continued growth of an event that has come a long way from its beginnings in 1956.

From Rod Laver and Margaret Court to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Venus and Serena Williams, generations of tennis greats have helped write the story of the tournament.

And as the ASB Classic continues to grow, the next chapter of its history is still being written at Stanley Street.

Visit the ASB Classic website