Tournament 29 Dec 2018

Two former world number ones go head to head

by ASB Classic
Two former world number ones go head to head

In what will be the biggest first round clash of the tournament, and in fact could’ve been the final, Vika vs Venus. 

The two former world number ones have drawn each other in the first round of the ASB Classic. The two legends of the game have nine grand slam singles titles between them and are looking to recreate that form from previous years. 

In the same quarter of the draw, top seed and darling of the court Caroline Wozniacki has drawn a qualifier which guarantees a Tuesday start for the world number three. 2017 ASB Classic champion Lauren Davis has also found herself in that same quarter of the draw and will face Spaniard Lara Arruabarrena. With no points to defend the petit American will look to make the most of her direct entry to the tournaments main draw. 

In the second half of the draw, world number 14 Julia Goerges will start her defence of the ASB Classic title against Swede Johanna Larsson. Goerges comes to Auckland in career best form, the German powerhouse broke inside the top ten this season and is looking forward to start 2019 with another win in Auckland.

Tennis star Eugenie Bouchard has been drawn in the same quarter as Goerges, the former world number 5 and Wimbledon finalist will play American Madison Brengle. Bouchard has been enjoying the Kiwi hospitality, attending the Boxing Day races and Waiheke Island yesterday, but now her sole focus will be on court and her first-round match.

Rio Olympic gold medallist Monica Puig has been drawn against doubles champion Bethanie Mattek-Sands while 17-year old American Amanda Anisimova will wait to see who advances in the qualifying tournament for her first round opponent.

The order of play will be confirmed later this afternoon.

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