Tennis: American teen star Coco Gauff confirms return for 2023 ASB Classic at Auckland

Tennis star Coco Gauff has confirmed her entry into Auckland's ASB Classic next year, after last playing at the tournament in 2020.

Gauff, 18, is currently ranked 12th in WTA rankings and reached her first Grand Slam singles final at the French Open in June.

The American admits it was an easy decision to return to Auckland, after enjoying her visit to New Zealand two years ago, when she reached the second round of singles and lost in the doubles semi-finals with Catherine McNally.

"I am super excited to be returning to the ASB Classic," she said. "It was a bucket-list tournament of mine before COVID. 

"I definitely missed New Zealand the last two years and I am excited to kick my year off back in Auckland.

"Auckland is such a beautiful city and I am excited to come back. I chose to return because the fans, the atmosphere and the city are unique to the tour."

Gauff will kick off her 2023 season with the ASB Classic in January, as she looks to win her first Grand Slam.

ASB Classic director Nicolas Lamperin reveals the organisation is thrilled that Gauff is returning to Stanley St.

"Coco is a brilliant young star, both on and off the court," he said. "We are just delighted that she wants to come back, after having such a good experience two years ago.

"In that time, she has risen from a budding youngster to one of the world's stars, who is pushing to the very top in the game.

"She has a brilliant all-round game on all surfaces, and in both singles and doubles. Off the court, she is a charismatic young player, who has captivated fans around the world, and I am sure that will be the case again in Auckland."