Kiwi tennis star Lulu Sun has been named as the first feature player for the 2025 ASB Classic in Auckland.
Sun recently recorded the best finish ever for a Kiwi in singles at Wimbledon as she went on an historic run at the tournament to reach the quarterfinals.
Sun only entered Wimbledon as a qualifier and would have been the first qualifier to reach the women's singles semifinals at the prestigious tournament since 1999.
She enjoyed wins over former US Open champion Emma Raducanu and Paris Olympics Gold medallist, Qinwen Zheng on her way to the quarterfinals.
The 23-year-old climbed more than 200 places in the world rankings during the last 12 months to a career high 53, the highest singles ranking for a New Zealand player since Marina Erakovic more than a decade ago.
Sun made it to the round of 16 at the 2024 ASB Classic — but was representing Switzerland, only changing her allegiance to New Zealand in March of this year.
“I feel super-excited and privileged to return to play at the ASB Classic,” said Sun. “I had a great experience and great time at the ASB Classic this year – with the amazing vibrance, energy and all the people in the organisation. So I am super-super excited to play it again."
“This tournament is important because I get to play in front of a home crowd, in front of all the New Zealand fans. I played on Centre Court this year which was super-cool and so to be able to do it again is going to be insane and epic, and I am really looking forward to it.”
Sun said her current ranking will help her development and progress on the world stage.
"Even when you’re ranked 80 or 90, it’s really a tough environment because when you’re playing the ITFs you’re not getting as much money as you do playing the top events like the grand slams or the top WTA events. You have to pay everything by yourself. And this is not exactly a cheap sport.”
ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said Sun’s superb 2024 season warranted the recognition as the first marquee player named for the tournament.
“It has been a long time since New Zealand has had a player that we can spotlight in singles,” said Lamperin. “Lulu’s rise in the world rankings over the last 12 months especially, has been among the most spectacular of any player on the WTA Tour."
“This deserves not only our support, but it is fitting that Lulu is the first player we are announcing among our marquee players for the 2025 ASB Classic, after becoming the first New Zealand female player in the Open Era to make the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
“One of the goals of the ASB Classic is to help showcase and develop New Zealand tennis talent on our biggest tennis stage.”
The women’s ASB Classic runs from December 30 to January 5, with the men’s event taking place from January 6-11.
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