TENN360 | THE FAN'S GUIDE TO THE TOUR
tennis is more than the score.
ASB OPEN
Tour
ATP/WTA
Date of event
4-16 Jan 2027
Location
Auckland
Surface
Hard outdoor
Website
Singles Title
J Menšík/ E Svitolina
Doubles Title
T Arribagé A Olivetti/G Hanyu K Mladenovic
Level
250/500
TENN360 INSIGHT:
If Adelaide feels like the polished start to the Australian summer, Auckland feels like the slightly more relaxed cousin.
The ASB Classic has been part of the tennis calendar for decades, and its setting at the Manuka Doctor Arena gives it a lovely combination of proper ATP and WTA tennis and New Zealand summer atmosphere.
You get sunshine, outdoor tennis, enthusiastic crowds and a venue close enough to Auckland's city centre that the tennis never feels like a separate world.
It is tennis without too much fuss.
And sometimes that is exactly what you want.
For Centre Court, I'd choose a side-on seat relatively close to the court.
The venue is intimate enough that you don't need to be in the very best seats to feel connected to the action.
Side-on gives you the best view of the whole court and lets you appreciate the speed of the ATP game without spending your entire match looking down one player's baseline.
But here's the thing:
I'd happily sacrifice a Centre Court seat for a good position on Grandstand Court or Court 2.
The outer courts can be wonderfully close to the players, and Grounds Passes give access to them.
So if you're the sort of fan who likes discovering a good match rather than waiting for someone famous to appear, this tournament gives you plenty of opportunity to do exactly that.
Excellent.
This is one of Auckland's best features.
The multiple-court setup means players are moving around a relatively compact tournament environment, while the outer courts bring fans much closer to the action.
I'd arrive early and look for practice.
Then keep an eye on the smaller courts.
The ASB Classic has also built its reputation around being player-friendly, and the tournament itself talks about the atmosphere and care for players as part of its identity.
So don't spend the entire day staring at Centre Court.
The player you really want to see might be warming up somewhere much smaller.
I'd go if you want a relaxed ATP tournament with genuine summer atmosphere.
The ASB Classic has the sort of personality that makes you want to spend the whole day there.
There is good tennis, food, music and plenty happening away from Centre Court.
I'd also go if you like watching players at the beginning of their seasons.
This is one of the final stops before the Australian Open, so everyone is trying to find their rhythm.
Sometimes you see an established name preparing for Melbourne.
Sometimes you see a younger player who is about to have a very good year.
And occasionally you realise you saw them before everyone else did.
That's rather fun.
I'd arrive early and stay for the day.
The ASB Classic has Centre Court, Grandstand Court and Court 2, so there is plenty happening away from the main arena. Grounds Passes also give access to the outer courts, which is particularly good value if you enjoy discovering players rather than simply following the biggest names.
I'd also spend some time at The Serve.
It has food, drinks, big screens and music, so the tournament has become as much about enjoying a summer day out as sitting quietly watching tennis.
And don't rush home.
Auckland is right there.
Watch tennis, have a drink, wander around the city and pretend you planned the whole thing.
Oh yes.
This is New Zealand summer tennis, so the sun deserves your respect.
If you're sitting outside during the day, bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
And don't be fooled by a pleasant breeze.
You can still get plenty of sun while thinking you're perfectly comfortable.
The tournament has also added more shaded areas around the site, which is helpful when you're spending several hours moving between courts.
I'd be tempted by an evening session if you're particularly sensitive to heat.
The temperature drops, the atmosphere changes and Auckland starts to look rather lovely.
Excellent.
This is another Auckland advantage.
The ASB Classic is close to the city centre, and public transport is an easy option. From Britomart Transport Centre, it is around a 10–15 minute walk to the venue, with buses also serving the surrounding streets.
I'd use public transport rather than drive.
The whole point is that the tennis is close enough to the city to be part of your Auckland day rather than a separate expedition.
Finish watching your match, walk back towards the centre and carry on with the evening.
That's exactly how a tennis trip should work.
I'd skip it if you want the scale of a Masters 1000 or Grand Slam.
This is an ATP 250, and the attraction is much more about the overall experience than having the deepest possible field.
I'd also skip it if you don't like outdoor summer tennis.
There is plenty of sunshine and you're going to spend a lot of time outside.
And if you're travelling solely to see one particular player, wait for the draw before booking everything.
January tennis has a habit of reminding us that plans are merely suggestions.
Power in Numbers
28/32
Single Draws
3,500
Centre court seat
12
Courts