ASB Classic cancelled for second consecutive year

The ASB Classic, traditionally held in the first two years of the calendar year to kick off the season, will not be held in 2022 due to covid restrictions, according to the organizers of the tournament.

This year's event was cancelled in October of last year due to the pandemic, but with the international tennis schedule going back to it's pre-covid calendar, there was hope that it could be held in 2022. However, due to immigration and quarantine requirements for the over 250 people involved in the event, it was determined that hosting the tournament would not be possible.

"We are incredibly disappointed that we won't be able to bring the ASB Classic back to Auckland this summer, but current immigration and quarantine requirements mean it's just not feasible," said Simon Vannini, board chairman of Tennis Auckland.

"We are working closely with Tennis NZ on some alternative ideas that we think will keep tennis fans excited, and we will continue to ensure tennis remains one of New Zealand's favorite sports."

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The last ASB Classic women's edition in 2020 was won by 23-time grand slam winner Serena Williams while France's Ugo Humbert prevailed in the men's event.

"We'd like to thank our family of sponsors for their ongoing support of the ASB Classic, and who have always been encouraging of our efforts to deliver one of New Zealand's favorite events," added Vannini. "We love the ASB Classic as much as our fans do, and we'll keep working to bring the ASB Classic back to fans in 2023."