Goerges to defend Auckland Open title

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Julia Goerges has confirmed her participation at the ASB Classic in Auckland, where she will defend the title she won in 2018.

The WTA World No.9’s preparation for the Australian Open will begin in the City of Sails, where the tournament begins on December 31 and concludes on January 6.

It is an opportunity that the German has been delighted to take up.

“I love playing in Auckland.  It is one of my favourite tournaments and the best peroration for the Australian Open.  I have had some great results there and I am very happy to be back as ASB Classic defending champion,” she said via a statement.

ASB head of community and sponsorship Mark Graham is happy to see both Goerges and defending men’s champion Roberto Bautista Agut return for the 2019 edition. 

He said: “We are thrilled that both champions from the 2018 ASB Classic are returning to defend their titles. Both players have been to Auckland numerous times, bring a lot of passion and quality to the tournament and have been very supportive off the court helping ASB engage with local charities. It will be great to have them back again for 2019.”  

Already confirmed for the star-studded competition are three former WTA World No.1s in the form of Victoria Azarenka, whose participation was confirmed last week, Venus Williams and current WTA World No.2 Caroline Wozniacki.  

Venus is a former winner in Auckland, having lifted the title in 2015, when she defeated Wozniacki in the final. Indeed, the Dane has twice been a runner up, having suffered a 6-4, 7-6(4) loss to Goerges last year.

This will be the 33rd edition of the Auckland Open, which began in 1986, with Anne Hobbs of Great Britain the inaugural champion.