Retractable roof for Auckland's ASB tennis area

The ASB Tennis Arena is close to securing a major upgrade, which organisers say will make the ASB Classic even more popular.

Rain delays have meant a frustrating start to this year's event but the addition of a retractable roof could soon make them a thing of the past.

After a four month layoff the tennis world was eager to see Serena Williams back in action but instead they had to sit through the pouring rain.

It's a sight which could soon be a thing of the past.

On Tuesday, Auckland Tennis unveiled plans for a retractable roof. There's just small hurdle to overcome.

"We really need to secure the balance of that funding which will come from a mix of public, commercial and philanthropic over the next few months," CEO Brent Robinson says.

The roof will cost $18.5 million, with $10.5m already secured.

A full renovation of the arena will begin straight after the 2018 tournament with the roof ready to go by 2019.

Director Karl Budge says the roof will offer reassurance to players who use the tournament as a build up for the Australian open

"It will certainly make our life easier if we can say to a player, particularly in week two, 'we can guarantee you'll be in Melbourne on Saturday night'."

And he says that will attract more high profile stars.

"Four years ago people probably didn't think Serena Williams would've just played a match on centre court. We've had her sister, we've had a couple of other golden girls and now Serena as well. We'll certainly keeping punching as above our weight as we can."

The roof also has the backing of Serena Williams' coach.

"I don't think there are many tournaments outside of a Grand Slam which have a roof, almost none, so that would be really incredible, " Patrick Mourtoglou says.

The tournament is becoming increasingly popular, 64,000 people made their way through the gates last year, that's a 10 percent increase on the year before.

And with draw cards like Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniaki here this year, expect similar numbers again.

The upgrade will push capacity on centre court to more than 3,500 - ensuring the tournament remains a hit with both fans and players alike.

Newshub.