2026 ASB Classic
January 5, 2026 - January 17, 2026
Last Updated on November 5, 2025
The 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, is set to kick off the new year’s tennis season with its customary blend of world-class competition and relaxed summer atmosphere. Staged at the historic ASB Tennis Centre on Stanley Street, the tournament is one of the most beloved stops on both the men’s and women’s tours, serving as a vital and picturesque warm-up event for the Australian Open.
For 2026, the ASB Classic is scheduled to run over a concentrated two-week period, from Monday, January 5 to Saturday, January 17, 2026, confirming its status as a premier event in the opening phase of the global tennis calendar.
Tournament Essentials: Dates, Venue, and Category
The ASB Classic is unique in that it hosts two distinct tournaments: a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event and an Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) event, back-to-back. The 2026 event will follow the established format, with the women’s tournament leading the action, immediately followed by the men’s competition.
| Essential Detail | Specification |
| Overall Dates | Monday, January 5 – Saturday, January 17, 2026 |
| WTA Week | Monday, January 5 – Sunday, January 11, 2026 (WTA 250) |
| ATP Week | Monday, January 12 – Saturday, January 17, 2026 (ATP 250) |
| Venue | ASB Tennis Centre, Stanley Street, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Surface | Outdoor Hard Court |
| Category | WTA Tour 250 Series (Women) & ATP Tour 250 Series (Men) |
The event is celebrated for its intimate fan experience. The outdoor hard court surface perfectly mirrors the conditions players will face at the Australian Open, making it an indispensable stop for players looking to achieve early-season match sharpness. The dual-gender format ensures fans are treated to two full weeks of high-stakes, elite tennis.
Tournament Format, Ranking Points, and Prize Money
The format for both tournaments is a standard knockout draw, designed to deliver high-octane tennis from the first round.
| Category | Draw Size | Winner Ranking Points |
| WTA Singles | 32 Players (with a qualifying draw) | 250 Points |
| WTA Doubles | 16 Teams | 250 Points |
| ATP Singles | 28 Players (with a qualifying draw) | 250 Points |
| ATP Doubles | 16 Teams | 250 Points |
Prize Money Distribution
The official prize money for the 2026 ASB Classic is yet to be announced. However, based on the previous year’s commitment, the prize pool for 2026 is anticipated to be around these figures or slightly higher, continuing the trend of increased investment across both tours.
In 2025, the tournament offered a substantial prize fund, especially on the men’s side, with both events part of the highly competitive 250 series.
2025 ATP (Men’s) Prize Money
The total commitment for the ATP event in 2025 was $680,140 USD. The champion and runner-up earnings were:
| ATP Round | Prize Money (USD) | Winner Points |
| Champion | $103,455 | 250 |
| Runner-up | $60,350 | 165 |
| Semifinalist | $35,480 | 100 |
| Quarterfinalist | $20,555 | 50 |
2025 WTA (Women’s) Prize Money
The total commitment for the WTA event in 2025 was $275,094 USD. The champion and runner-up earnings were:
| WTA Round | Prize Money (USD) | Winner Points |
| Champion | $36,300 | 250 |
| Runner-up | $21,484 | 163 |
| Semifinalist | $11,970 | 98 |
| Quarterfinalist | $6,815 | 54 |
The 2026 figures are expected to rise slightly from these 2025 benchmarks, but these previous numbers provide a clear indication of the significant financial incentive on offer for players to start their season strongly in Auckland.
A History of Early-Season Glory
The ASB Classic holds a distinguished place in the tennis world, having hosted some of the sport’s greatest names. It is consistently the first professional event on the WTA calendar and one of the first on the ATP schedule, meaning its winners often set the tone for the entire season.
The most recent champions, in 2025, provided a captivating narrative:
- Men’s Singles Champion (2025): The veteran Gaël Monfils clinched the title, demonstrating his enduring talent and setting up a strong start to his season.
- Women’s Singles Champion (2025): The talented Dane, Clara Tauson, took home the trophy in a highly competitive field that featured other major champions and fan favourites.
These recent results underscore the depth and prestige of the tournament. The 2026 event will invite a new cast of established champions, rising stars, and local heroes to begin their quests for Grand Slam glory with a coveted title in New Zealand.
Provisional Tournament Schedule
The 2026 ASB Classic will run for 13 days, including four days of qualifying across the two weeks. The structure is built around separating the Women’s and Men’s main draws.
| Day | Date (2026) | Event | Key Rounds |
| Weekend 1 | Sat 3 & Sun 4 Jan | WTA | Qualifying Rounds |
| Day 1 | Mon, 5 Jan | WTA Week Begins | Singles Main Draw Round 1 |
| Day 2 | Tue, 6 Jan | WTA | Singles Main Draw Round 1 |
| Day 3 | Wed, 7 Jan | WTA | Singles Round 2 / Doubles Round 1 |
| Day 4 | Thu, 8 Jan | WTA | Singles Quarterfinals / Doubles Quarterfinals |
| Day 5 | Fri, 9 Jan | WTA | Singles Semifinals / Doubles Semifinals |
| Finals Day | Sat, 10 Jan | WTA | Singles Final & Doubles Final |
| Weekend 2 | Sun 11 Jan | ATP | Qualifying Rounds Begin |
| Day 6 | Mon, 12 Jan | ATP Week Begins | Singles Main Draw Round 1 |
| Day 7 | Tue, 13 Jan | ATP | Singles Main Draw Round 1 |
| Day 8 | Wed, 14 Jan | ATP | Singles Round 2 / Doubles Round 1 |
| Day 9 | Thu, 15 Jan | ATP | Singles Quarterfinals / Doubles Quarterfinals |
| Day 10 | Fri, 16 Jan | ATP | Singles Semifinals / Doubles Semifinals |
| Finals Day | Sat, 17 Jan | ATP | Singles Final & Doubles Final |
Note: Matches typically begin in the early afternoon, with a dedicated marquee night session for the key matches in the earlier rounds. The exact schedule and order of play are subject to change and are usually confirmed on the evening before each match day.
Players to Watch in 2026
The ASB Classic’s placement immediately before the Australian Open guarantees a highly competitive field. Players use this tournament not only to win a title but also to test their fitness and form in demanding hard-court conditions. Fans can expect a mix of:
- Top 20 Stars: Many established Top 20 players select Auckland for its efficiency and strong match play opportunities before the season’s first major. Their goal is to hit the ground running and secure valuable ranking points, which can be critical for seeding at the Australian Open.
- Rising Talents: As a 250-level event, it is an ideal hunting ground for talented players ranked just outside the Top 30 who are looking to make a deep run and earn a significant rankings boost early in the season.
- Local Favourites: The presence of New Zealand-born or Auckland-based players, who often receive wildcards, is always a huge draw for the local crowd. Previous local champions or players like Michael Venus (a doubles specialist) provide a special energy to the stadium.
- Comeback Stories: The early-season slot is also favoured by players returning from injury or those looking to regain form, making the ASB Classic a fascinating mix of established talent and potential breakout performances.
The final entry lists will be announced closer to the tournament date, but anticipation will be high for major names who have excelled in Auckland previously to make a return. The opportunity to witness top-tier tennis in the beautiful, buzzing environment of Auckland is what defines the ASB Classic experience.
Essential Fan and Ticketing Information
For those planning to attend the 2026 ASB Classic, securing tickets early is highly recommended, especially for the later rounds and the two finals days.
- Tournament Website: For the most up-to-date information, news, player announcements, and detailed venue information, fans should visit the official tournament site: https://www.asbclassic.co.nz/.
- Ticketing: Tickets for all main draw sessions and packages are available through the official ticketing partner: https://asbclassic.flicket.co.nz/.
Beyond the on-court action, the ASB Tennis Centre transforms into a vibrant hub, offering a unique summer festival experience with gourmet food stalls, beverage gardens, sponsor activations, and a truly electric atmosphere that makes the ASB Classic a must-attend event for any sports enthusiast.
The 2026 ASB Classic is poised to deliver two weeks of world-class tennis, providing the first glimpse of who is in the best shape to dominate the season ahead.