The talent pool on display at the 2019 summer of tennis just got deeper with the ASB Classic confirming the return of their 2018 champions.
Women's world number nine Julia Goerges, a regular visitor to Auckland, and Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut join an already impressive list of names heading to New Zealand in January.
Germany's Goerges had a standout 2018, backing up her win in Auckland with a semi-final run at Wimbledon, as well as reaching four other semi-finals on the WTA Tour.
The 29-year-old is hoping to replicate that success by defending her title a year later.
"I love playing in Auckland," Goerges said. "It is one of my favourite tournaments and the best preperation for the Australian Open.
"I have had some great results there and I am very happy to be back as ASB Classic defending champion."
Tournament Director Karl Budge is delighted to have secured the signatures of the dual defending champions.
"Everyone will remember Roberto's epic semi-final battle against Robert Hasse, and then to back that up the next day against Juan Martin del Potro, it was extraordinary," Budge said.
"In the women's final, both Julia and Caroline (Wozniacki) were fighting for their maiden ASB Classic title with Julia coming out on top.
"It's just so great to have both of our champs back to defend their titles."
Goerges joins a stacked women's draw that includes Wozniacki, Venus Williams and Victoria Azarenka.
The men's draw is equally strong with former champion John Isner confirming his entry last month and the recruitment of the sensational young South Korean Hyeon Chung.
Newshub.
