ASB Classic 2026 player announcements

The story so far

New Zealand's top-ranked female player, Lulu Sun, was the first player confirmed for the 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland in September 2025.^{10 Sep 2025} Further entrants followed, including Czech player Jakub Mensik, who had entered the world's top 20 and beaten Novak Djokovic in Miami, and Auckland-raised Cameron Norrie, who was set to make his tenth appearance at the event.^{8, 30 Oct 2025} Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams was also confirmed to compete, and Naomi Osaka withdrew over a schedule change to play in the United Cup in Australia, with Elina Svitolina and Emma Navarro named as replacements.^{5, 18 Nov 2025} Three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka was granted a wildcard, marking his first New Zealand appearance in 19 years, and Casper Ruud was confirmed as the second seed behind American Ben Shelton.^{27 Nov 2025; 3 Dec 2025}

Latest

The most recent update confirmed that Venus Williams will headline the tournament at Auckland's Manuka Doctor Arena, with a women's field including players ranked between No 14 and No 92.^{10 Dec 2025}

What's next

The tournament is scheduled to take place from 5 to 11 January 2026.^{5 Nov 2025; 10 Dec 2025}

Key moments

1. 10 Sep 2025Lulu Sun becomes the first player confirmed for the 2026 tournament.
2. 18 Nov 2025Naomi Osaka withdraws due to a schedule change; Svitolina and Navarro replace her.
3. 27 Nov 2025Stan Wawrinka granted a wildcard, his first New Zealand appearance in 19 years.
4. 3 Dec 2025Casper Ruud confirmed as second seed, behind Ben Shelton.
5. 10 Dec 2025Venus Williams to headline at Manuka Doctor Arena; field ranked No 14 to No 92.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.