© Getty Images Sport – Sarah Stier
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils have signed up to start their 2023 seasons at the ASB Classic in Auckland, the tournament announced. Svitolina, 29, has no previous appearance in Auckland as she is set for her tournament debut.
On the other side, 37-year-old Monfils played twice in Auckland in the past. After losing in the Auckland first round in his tournament debut in 2007, Monfils returned to the tournament in 2013 and reached the semifinal. Between January 01-07, the WTA Auckland is scheduled to take place.
The following week, the men’s tennis event in Auckland will be taking place.
Auckland tournament director on Svitolina, Monfils coming to New Zealand
The Auckland organizers seem to be absolutely thrilled to have signed former world No 3 Svitolina and Monfils for the 2024 Auckland edition.
After giving birth and being out for 13 months, Svitolina made a very impressive return as she made the Wimbledon semifinal three months after coming back from a lengthy break and has also returned to No 25 in the world. “She carries a lot of weight on her shoulders now, being a mum, an ambassador for the charity of the Ukrainian president (Volodymyr Zelenskyy) and being…
