Tennis world No.2 Casper Ruud has been confirmed for next year's ASB Classic in Auckland, after a breakthrough season.
The recent US Open finalist will serve as the tournament's top seed, and joins world No.8 Cameron Norrie in the field.
Ruud, 23, last played at the ASB Classic in 2020, bowing out in the round of 32, but has surged to second in the world after impressive performances.
The Norwegian also reached the final of the French Open this season, and has won three ATP 250s in Buenos Aires, Geneva and Gstaad.
ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin is delighted to welcome the tennis star to the event.
"This is a fantastic coup for the event, for ASB and for tennis fans," he said.
"Casper has been one of the most improved players on the circuit over the last 18 months and is part of the new breed of exciting, athletic and skilful players.
"He enjoyed our tournament when he last played here and had indicated he wanted to come back. It is a huge extra bonus for all tennis fans that he comes back as one of the world's best players."
Ruud will use the ASB Classic as preparation for the Australian Open, which he missed through injury this year.
He is excited to return to New Zealand, after a two-year absence, as he looks to meteoric rise in the sport.
"New Zealand is a very beautiful country. I've been a couple of times before," he said.
"The conditions are very similar to Melbourne so it is a nice tournament to play and I look forward to it.
"I am a player who likes to play a lot of matches if I can. New Zealand's a nice event and a place I have happy memories from.
"It is typically good weather. It's summer time and I am coming from Norway where it is Christmas snowing and cold. They have a good culture, good food, good people and it's fun to play in front of New Zealand crowds.
"There's a good history of tennis at the tournament which has been played for many years so they know what they are doing.
"I am a big fan of the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings movies that were recorded there. I know the nature and the scenery are incredible so that would be nice to explore."
