
The ATP ASB Classic is set to take place from January 12-17, with some of the best players in the world set to make their first mark in the 2026 season as they look to get off to a good start.
With the women's event currently ongoing in Auckland, the men will have to wait their turn to get out onto the court in New Zealand. This highly anticipated is almost over for these players, who will use this event as key preparation for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year.
Eyes on the prize for many top players
The number one seed in New Zealand is Ben Shelton, who will look to continue the positive momentum from a great 2025 into what the American hopes to be another year of progress. After a disappointing ATP Finals debut where he failed to pick up a single win, a deep run in Auckland is exactly what is needed to get him back on track.
The competition is strong, and it will not be a walk in the park for the world number eight. Three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud is one of the big favourites to walk away with the title as he looks to climb back to the competitive heights he was once at a few years ago. The Norwegian began his campaign in the United Cup hosted in neighbouring Australia. He was the leading player on the Norway team but could not help them get out of the group phase.
One of the players he lost to was Jakub Mensik, with a possible matchup once again between the two a possibility. After injuries and some bad results derailed the end of what had been a breakthrough 2025, Mensik is highly touted in the tennis world and has been tipped for a bright future. Cameron Norrie completes the top four competing in New Zealand. His last venture on court was at the Moselle Open final, where he was pipped at the post by then 19-year-old Learner Tien in a dramatic thriller.
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The reigning champion Gael Monfils will begin his farewell tour in an event where he has enjoyed much success. This specifically came last year where he defeated Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4 to take the crown. The 39-year-old will be competing Down Under just one more time before his retirement, so will attempt to make it a special ending.
Fellow Frenchman and two-time ATP title winner Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard will look to utilise his big serve to defeat his hapless opponents while the likes of Luca Darderi, Alex Michelsen, Lorenzo Sonego and Alexandre Muller will be tricky customers on the court.
ATP ASB Classic 2026 prize money and ranking points
The champion will receive a cool $106,460 while also adding 250 ranking points to their tally. The losing finalist will pick up $62,115 along with 165 ranking points. The two losing semi-finalists will be handed $36,520 with 100 ranking points.
Quarter-finalists will earn $21,155 and 50 ranking points with an exit from the last-16 getting you $12,285. An exit in the first round will rack you up just $7,510 and zero ranking points, making it a huge opportunity missed.
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Prize money
| Round | Ranking Points | Prize Money (USD) |
| Round of 32 | 0 | $7,510 |
| Round of 16 | 25 | $12,285 |
| Quarterfinals | 50 | $21,155 |
| Semifinals | 100 | $36,520 |
| Finalist | 165 | $62,115 |
| Champion | 250 | $106,460 |

Lucas MichaelTennis Journalist
Lucas Michael is a tennis journalist based in Cambridge, UK, specializing in comprehensive coverage of the ATP and WTA tours. For the past 1.5 years, he has been a core contributor to TennisUpToDate, where he has authored more than 3,000 data-driven match reports, deep-dive analysis pieces, and engaging liveblogs.
Lucas pairs real-time statistical analysis with on-the-ground reporting, frequently traveling to tournaments to cover the action firsthand from the press box and player press conferences. This blend of advanced metrics and direct access allows him to provide sharp context regarding player form, tactical trends, and breaking tour developments.
He holds a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism. Grounded in core journalistic ethics, Lucas places a strict emphasis on meticulous sourcing, editorial accuracy, and a commitment to updating live content swiftly as verified information emerges.
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- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!
mandoist12-11-2026 - Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.
mandoist12-11-2026 - I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!
mandoist09-11-2026 - "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?
mandoist09-11-2026 - Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.
mandoist08-11-2026 - Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??
mandoist08-11-2026








