Lulu Sun confirmed for ASB Classic 2026
- Dave Worsley
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The ASB Classic has confirmed New Zealand’s No.1 women’s player, Lulu Sun, will compete in the 2026 edition of the women’s tournament.
Sun is the first player named for WTA Week at the ASB Classic from 5-11 January.
Twenty-four-year-old Sun said she is thrilled to return to the ASB Classic, which is both a homecoming and an opportunity.
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“This means everything to me. I get to play in front of a home crowd and fans. It is going to be energising and it’s going to be fun,” said Sun. “I am biased, but it is pretty much my favourite tournament of the year.”
While 2025 has been a testing season with results but she has still had a number of valuable wins.
“Tennis careers are never a straight line. Every great player goes through periods of ups and downs, but Lulu has the resilience and determination to come through stronger,” said ASB Classic Tournament Director Nicolas Lamperin.
“We are delighted to welcome her back to Auckland, where she will once again have the support of our wonderful Kiwi fans.”
After to No 39 on the WTA world rankings, Sun has been unable to hold on to the reins this year and dropped to 145.
“After injury early in the year, there was a lot of things that were all over the place. It’s not been the easiest of season. Last year was my best season and this year I have been struggling,” said Sun.
While Sun has long-term goals, she does not want to put herself under the same level of pressure.
“Last year I came into the WTA tournaments as a new player. This year I had expectations and put a lot of pressure on myself especially earlier in the year. I am looking to get back to that consistency. My goal is to get things back on track and back into the top 100.”
Lamperin said the ASB Classic has long been a platform where players have rediscovered their form and launched into successful seasons.
“Players like Amanda Anisimova and Naomi Osaka, who just reached the finals and semifinals at the US Open, are players in recent years who have come via the ASB Classic to build their way back to the top end of the sport,” said Lamperin. “Likewise Clara Tauson began her rise with the win over Osaka at the ASB Classic final this year and has gone on to move inside the world’s top-15.
“For Lulu, the 2026 tournament will be the perfect stage to begin her resurgence to the top and remind fans of the talent that made her New Zealand’s top-ranked player who reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 2024.”
The 2026 ASB Classic takes place in Auckland from January 5 to 17, bringing together world-class players, entertainment, and the unique summer atmosphere that has made it one of New Zealand’s premier sporting events.
