Classics Lineups The Strongest Yet

Auckland's ASB men's tennis Classic is shaping as the strongest ever following the confirmation of the tournament's second drawcard player.

World #11 John Isner's joined 10th-ranked Jo Wilfried Tsonga as confirmed entries with tournament director Karl Budge indicating the top eight seeds should all be ranked inside the world's Top 30.

"I'll be a very disappointed boy in the next couple of weeks if the conversations we've had fall away. As it stands, I'm very confident that we're looking at the best field we've ever had."

The ASB women's Classic has signed this year's runner up Caroline Wozniacki to join defending champion Venus Williams with 2014 champion Ana Ivanovic still a possibility to return in January.

But "it's a stretch" Budge says. "I think of year one, getting a player of that ilk was a great achievement. Now we get two and we're having thoughts to try and get a third."

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki can't wait to be back.

"To play in Auckland, it's one of my favourite tournaments of the year. It's a great way to start the year, get some matches under my belt before the Australian Open," she said.

Radio Sport