The tournament, on January 12-17, follows the WTA women’s event on January 5-11, both in Auckland.
Young American Ben Shelton returns as the top seed, finishing the year ranked No 9 in the world after rising to No 5 on the back of victory in the ATP Masters 1000 in Canada.
The likeable left-hander has jumped over 15 ranking places this year to emerge as a global contender.
Second seed is Norwegian Casper Ruud, world No 12 and ranked No 2 a couple of years ago, who claimed two titles this year, including the Masters 1000 in Madrid.
Both return to Auckland for a fourth time.
There was a heavy accent in the field confirmed yesterday on young talent, led by 20-year-old Czech star Jakub Mensik, who returns to Auckland ranked No 19 in the world, boasting a Masters 1000 title in Miami where he beat Novak Djokovic in the final.
Another rising player returning is American Alex Michelsen, who started his impressive run in 2025 by making the quarterfinals at Auckland.
He is joined by 2.01m Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, 22, who reached world N 29, notably hitting 51 aces in his first match at Wimbledon last year.
Auckland-raised British veteran Cameron Norrie returns to the courts where he spent much time as a youngster.
Once ranked No 9 in the world, Norrie worked his way back after a lengthy injury break to make the quarterfinals at Wimbledon this year. He has twice finished runner-up in his nine appearances at Auckland.
Two other seasoned players will no doubt prove popular with fans.
Swiss Stan Wawrinka, 40, will make his third appearance in Auckland, as he returns from recent years battling injury.
The "Stanimal" has won 16 singles titles and is the only man to win three grand slams in the era of the sport’s "Big Four".
But even his appearance in Auckland will need to take a back seat to the return of the mercurial Gael Monfils, who is starting his final year in the sport.
His victory at the Manuka Doctor Arena this year made him the oldest player to win an ATP 250 title.
Both Monfils and Wawrinka will earn wildcard entries, the final direct entry going to American world No 62 Aleksandar Kovacevic.
The field will be completed with a final wildcard for a New Zealander. — Allied Media
