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In the end, pure star power elevated the 2025 ASB Classic to a new level.

That will be the overriding conclusion, when people reflect on this tennis fortnight. The past two weeks have been an unqualified success, with compelling matches in front of large crowds, who also enjoyed the unique off court atmosphere around the arena. After the Covid hiatus, the tournaments are well and truly back on the map, with tournament director Nicolas Lamperin confirming to the Herald that the 2025 edition set a new record for ticket sales.

But the presence – and more importantly the success – of Naomi Osaka and Gael Monfils – took the event from good to great. They both played five matches here, creating a buzz that went well beyond the court. It was also the first time since 2013 (David Ferrer and Agnieszka Radwańska) that the highest profile female and male both made finals, always a crucial barometer. In a way, the runs of Osaka and Monfils saved the tournaments.

Things weren’t looking great in the women’s week, with the earlier than expected demise of Lulu Sun, along with the withdrawal of Emma Raducanu and second seed Elise Mertens, followed by the quarter-final exit of top seed Madison Keys. But Osaka carried the day, even if her injury withdrawal in the final was a shock.

Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates her win against Hailey Baptiste of USA in the Quarter Final match of the 2024-25 Women’s ASB Classic. Photo / Photosport

It was a similar story with Monfils, after the first round exit of Cameron Norrie, followed by the top four seeds falling at the first hurdle. There were epic matches – particular Ben Shelton’s clash with Jakub Mensik – and the emergence of Mensik and American Nishesh Basavareddy was noteworthy, along with Michael Venus’ doubles success.

But the incredible feats of Monfils made the difference, ensuring this edition will always be remembered.

“Naomi brought so much star power to the tournament,” agreed Lamperin. “Not only what she did on the court but everything she’s done in terms of promoting the tournament and also Auckland. It’s exactly what we’re trying to achieve with this event, so was phenomenal.”

Lamperin was also full of praise for Monfils – “an incredible effort” – who became the oldest champion in ATP history, eclipsing the record of Roger Federer.

”He was amazing for us,” said Lamperin.

Gael Monfils of France plays a shot against Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in Round 2. Photo / Photosport

Overall, Lamperin was thrilled with the fortnight.

”We’ve beaten the record for ticket sales which shows the popularity of the tournament,” said Lamperin. “It wasn’t guaranteed [because] the dates were going to be challenging with an early start (December 30). The overall number of attendees is above what we had in 2024, which was the best year ever of the tournament. It’s pretty satisfying for us.”

The men’s week had four players withdraw with injury or fatigue ahead of the event – including fifth seed Giovanni MpetshiPerricard – but Lamperin said that wasn’tjust about the proximity of the Australian Open.

”I’m not sure it’s about the extra risk,” said Lamperin. “It’s more about your fitness level at the start of the season. Of course we are competing with the Australian Open, but at the same time this is the only way we can attract all these players at this time of the year.”

Lamperin will continue to negotiate with the Melbourne event, to push for Auckland men’s finalists to be given generous first round schedules. Both Monfils and Zizou Bergs had to rush to the airport for a 6:30pm flight on Saturday night, with matches pencilled in for Monday.

”Tuesday would be the ideal,” said Lamperin. “We are in contact but the scheduling of a grand slam is extremely complicated.”

On a related note, Lamperin said the current ATP system that allows the top four seeds to bypass the first round of the men’s ASB Classic was a good initiative, even if it seemed to backfire this year.

”It’s important because it means you’re guaranteed to start on a Wednesday, so it gives you more time, said Lamperin. “For the top four guys who would normally go far the week before, it gives them more certainty. How they can prepare, when they can arrive, they don’t have to stress about being in the final of Brisbane or Hong Kong and then playing in Auckland on the Monday. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. If we had the same in the women’s draw it would help us.”

While it is “far too early” to think about 2026 fields, Lamperin admitted he would be crazy not to pursue Osaka, given her impact this year.

”Of course I’ll go after her,” said Lamperin.

On a domestic note, Lamperin said the current playoff system for awarding local wildcards will be reassessed this year. While the women’s tournament attracted a full field, the men’s playoff – via the Te Anau Invitational - didn’t feature New Zealand’s top two ranked male players, Ajeet Rai and Kiranpal Pannu.

”It’s disappointing when the top guys decide not to play,” said Lamperin. “Because this is a competition made for them and we would like them to embrace it. We’ll do a full review. It doesn’t mean that we are going to stop supporting Kiwi players, so there will still be main draw and qualifying wildcards available but whether we use a playoff system or another system remains to be seen.”

Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards and covering Olympics, Fifa World Cups and America’s Cup campaigns.