Auckland’s summer of tennis is already shaping up nicely, with rising Czech star Jakub Mensik confirming he will return to the ASB Classic in January to defend his men’s singles title.
Freshly 21 and already one of the most exciting young names on the ATP Tour, Mensik made quite the impression in Auckland earlier this year, defeating Sebastian Baez 6-3, 7-6(7) in the final to claim his second ATP Tour title. The victory also made him the youngest men’s champion in Auckland since Juan Martin del Potro in 2009.
“I am happy to be coming back to the ASB Classic in January. I have great memories of Auckland after winning the title last year,” said Mensik.
“It’s a tournament where I enjoy playing. I am looking forward to being back and see everyone again and start the new season there.”
Standing 196cm tall and known for his powerful serve and clean ball-striking, Mensik has quickly become a player to watch on the international circuit. His career-high ranking of No. 12 came during a breakout period that has seen the young Czech increasingly establish himself among the game’s leading players.
His Auckland victory followed his first ATP Tour title at the Miami Open in 2025, where he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final. His connection with Djokovic stretches back even further, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion taking an interest in Mensik’s career while the Czech was still a junior.
But it isn’t only the tennis bringing Mensik back to Auckland.
“It is how close you are to the spectators. You can feel the fans right next to the court, see them enjoy the tennis which creates a really special atmosphere,” said Mensik.
“There’s a great connection between the players and the fans. I really enjoyed that – and makes the ASB Classic very personal and different from a lot of other tournaments on Tour.”
Anyone who has spent a January afternoon at the ASB Classic will know exactly what he means. Part international sporting event, part quintessential Auckland summer outing, the tournament has become as much about soaking up the atmosphere, food and hospitality as watching some seriously good tennis.
Mensik seems to have embraced the Auckland lifestyle too.
“I like the lifestyle there. It is a beautiful city – there are so many nice places to see. New Zealand has a very special feeling – people are very friendly. For a tennis player it is a great environment to get ready for the season and build some confidence before the Australian Open.”
He won’t be the only defending champion returning in 2027. Women’s champion Elina Svitolina is also heading back to Auckland, giving fans the chance to see both of the 2026 singles champions attempt to go back-to-back.
ASB Classic Tournament Director Nicolas Lamperin said having both champions return was particularly significant.
“This is not something that is automatic if you win and we are honoured that both Jakub and Elina will grace us at the ASB Classic,” said Lamperin.
“Our team, our sponsors and our volunteers all work hard to stage a high-class tournament and make it a very good experience for the players. The reward is that players look positively to return and they also pass on their thoughts to other players.
“The ASB Classic is thrilled to have our champions back and we are confident we can announce more exciting players in the coming weeks. Ticket sales are already very strong so we encourage fans to secure their tickets while they can.”
The 2026 tournament attracted record crowds, with 19 of its 22 sessions selling out, so those already planning their January calendar may want to get organised early.
The WTA Women’s ASB Classic runs from 4 to 10 January 2027, followed by the ATP Men’s ASB Classic from 11 to 16 January at Manuka Doctor Arena in Auckland.
