We’re full swing into the men’s tournament of the ASB Classic in Auckland after an epic display by the women – which saw 19-year-old (and US Open Champion) Coco Gauff take home the trophy. So, who should we be keeping a close eye on?
Ben Shelton (USA)
Age: 21 Years
@Benshelton
Official Bio
Shelton began playing tennis at age 10 with his father and coach, Bryan, whom he calls his “biggest inspiration.” Ben broke into the Top 100 in 2022 without ever travelling outside the USA. Ben Shelton was a wildcard at the 2023 ASB Classic and has now returned as the top seed for 2024.
Félix Auger-Aliassime (Canada)
Age: 23 Years
@FelixAliassam
Official Bio
Felix began playing tennis at age five with his dad, Sam Aliassime. Felix donates $5 for every point that he wins to EduChange, partnering with CARE to support protection and education of children in Togo. BNP Paribas added $15 for each of Auger-Aliassime’s 4,904 points won in 2020, totalling a $98,080 donation. Felix is set to play Daniel Altmaier in the men’s singles on Wednesday 10 Jan.
Cam Norrie (GBR)
Age: 28
@Norriee
Official Bio
Cam Norrie grew up in New Zealand and started playing tennis with a squash racquet in his driveway at age six after being introduced by his mum. In 2013 he moved to London alone and began representing Great Britain after playing most of his junior career for New Zealand.
Max Purcell (Australia)
Age: 25 Years
@MaxPurcelll
Official Bio
Max started playing tennis at age three with his siblings. He grew up playing on synthetic grass and still considers grass to be his best and favourite surface to play on! On Tuesday 9th Purcell won against Kiwi KP Pannu, and is next set to play Taro Daniel (Japan).
Arthur Fils (France)
Age: 19 Years
@Arthur.Fils
Official Bio
Arthur Fils is a French professional tennis player with a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 36! On Tuesday Fils won the generational battle against Auckland defending champion Gasquet.
Francisco Cerúndolo (Argentina)
Age: 25 Years
@FranceRundulo
Official Bio
25-year-old Francisco is set to play his first ASB Classic match on Wednesday 10th against Alexandre Müller. Cerúndolo began playing professionally in 2018, and is currently ranked 22.
Alexandre Müller (France)
Age: 26 Years
@Alex2Mumu
Official Bio
Alexandre Müller claims he was originally better at football than tennis before choosing to pursue tennis. He earned a career-high ranking of No. 94 after reaching 1st ATP Tour final at 2023 Marrakech.
