ASB Classic ATP 2026: Schedule, Entry List, Draw and Predictions

The 2026 ASB Classic continues onto the second week with the men's event taking centre stage between 12-17 January, 2026. 

Gael Monfils will return for one final time to play this event as he will retire at the turn of the year. It is the 48th edition of the men's event which has taken less precedence than the women's event despite being around for a lot longer.

It attracts a good field for a middle week tournament with Ben Shelton, Casper Ruud, Jakub Mensik, Luciano Darderi, Cameron Norrie, Alex Michelsen among those involved. It is one of the last events before the Australian Open.

The draw will likely be confirmed on the weekend before the tournament so presumably around January 10-11 before the tournament begins on the 12th. It will be updated here when confirmed.

The schedule is set to be confirmed the day before so on January 12. The results and schedule will be here when set bringing the top action.

Samuel Gill, Head Editor for TennisUpToDate.com sees Casper Ruud or Jakub Mensik as likely champions.

Reason being in this case is that for both Ruud and Mensik, they have played this past week in United Cup so both are very much accustomed to the new season.

Others perhaps less so. I think Gael Monfils is also pencilled in for a good run given it'll be that fairytale aspect of his final year and also he is in Auckland with his wife Elina Svitolina. So having her on site could be the boost that he does in fact need to find his form.

*** Casper Ruud

** Jakub Mensik, Cameron Norrie

* Ben Shelton, Gael Monfils, Alex Michelsen

Lucas Michael, Editor for TennisUpToDate.com sees Shelton rising to the challenge.

The ASB Classic is always a popular event for players to finetune their skills ahead of the highly anticipated Australian Open, with the motivation of a coveted title to win first in New Zealand.

For this honour, I am going to lean towards Ben Shelton. He continued to make strides in the sport over 2025, clinching his maiden Masters 1000 title and qualifying for the ATP Finals. I can see him taking that next step in 2026 and regularly challenge the big dogs in the sport.

This was something Casper Ruud has done in the past. The former world number two is still a dangerous player, and it will not surprise me if he goes on a deep run. The same being said for Jakub Mensik. It will be interesting to see the condition he is in after an injury-stricken period of time.

Other honourable mentions include the returning to form Cameron Norrie who I believe could have a very enjoyable run in Auckland. Also, last year’s winner Gael Monfils deserves a shoutout. In his final year on tour, he will be wanting to go out with a bang.

*** Ben Shelton

** Casper Ruud, Cameron Norrie

*Jakub Mensik, Alex Michelsen, Gael Monfils

While Casper Ruud is on the mind of editor Cristhian Avila for TennisUpToDate.com.

Ben Shelton – the top seed – still has to prove whether he can bounce back from a difficult end of the year, with three consecutive losses at the ATP Finals and some physical issues. Casper Ruud starts as the favourite – a player who doesn’t need much time to gain confidence, and whose United Cup experience will help him arrive with good match rhythm. The Norwegian can take a step forward in terms of hierarchy at the start of the year, where a clear mind often matters more than just tennis skills.

Cameron Norrie is another who can take advantage of his experience and comes in with good confidence from last season. If he is physically fit, he’s a name to consider, as is the Czech Jakub Mensik, who will need to demonstrate his top-20 level if he wants to fight for the title.

***Casper Ruud

**Cam Norrie, Ben Shelton, Jakub Mensik

*Jenson Brooksby