Top 20 star heading back to Auckland

Jakub Mensik, the youngest player in the world’s top 20, will return to Auckland for the ASB Classic in January.
The 20-year-old Czech tennis player is currently ranked 16 in the world.

He started the year ranked No 49 before beating former world top-10 Pablo Carreno Busta and pre-tournament favourite Ben Shelton in Auckland this year.

‘‘Winning in Auckland against Ben Shelton was a special moment for me,’’ Mensik said.

‘‘At the time I had not beaten many guys in the top 20, so in the second round and early in the season, this gave me a lot of confidence,’’ Mensik said in a statement.

‘‘I remember that match. It was spectacular and the atmosphere out there around the court was great.

‘‘I had so much fun and I’m looking forward to see you guys again.’’

Mensik won his maiden Masters 1000 in Miami in March, beating Novak Djokovic in two tiebreak sets in the final.

‘‘Winning the Masters 1000 in Miami was a huge moment in my career - and beating Novak in the final made it more special as he was my idol when I was young.

‘‘Since that moment I started to produce good performances in other tournaments because Miami gave me a boost in my confidence.’’

A number of players have confirmed their return to the ASB Classic, including champion Gael Monfis, 2025 finalist Naomi Osaka and New Zealand No 1 Lulu Sun.

The ASB Classic starts on January 5 with the women’s tournament, while the men start a week later.