Jakub Mensik to defend ASB Classic title in Auckland in January 2027

One of the world’s most exciting young tennis players will defend his title at the ASB Classic in Auckland in the New Year.

Czech star Jacub Mensik, 21, is ranked at No 15 in the world, and became the youngest ASB Classic men’s winner since Juan-Martin del Potro in 2009 with his win earlier this year.

“I am happy to be coming back to the ASB Classic in January. I have great memories of Auckland after winning the title last year,” Mensik said.

“It’s a tournament where I enjoy playing. I am looking forward to being back and see everyone again and start the new season there.”

Mensik has been as high as No 12 in the world after his win at the ASB Classic and fourth round at the Australian Open earlier this year, with the likes of Novak Djokovic and John McEnroe both predicting that he will challenge for Grand Slam titles in the future.

Djokovic keeps track of his matches and frequently reaches out to offer encouragement, a relationship that dates back to when Mensik was a junior and invited to train with the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

The young 196cm star, rated as one of the cleanest ball-strikers in the game, followed his win in Auckland by making the fourth round at the Australian Open where he lost to Djokovic; the semi-finals in Doha and Roland Garros, the quarter-finals in Montreal and the third round at the US Open.

Mensik made his name as a teenager when he won the Miami Masters 1000 last year, beating the likes of Arthur Fils, Taylor Fritz and Djokovic on the way to becoming the second youngest winner of that tournament.

His second ATP tournament title was at the ASB Classic in Auckland – a special experience that he enjoyed.

“It is how close you are to the spectators. You can feel the fans right next to the court, see them enjoy the tennis which creates a really special atmosphere,” he said.

“There’s a great connection between the players and the fans. I really enjoyed that – and makes the ASB Classic very personal and different from a lot of other tournaments on Tour.”

Mensik also enjoyed the vibe of Auckland, both the place and the people.

“I like the lifestyle there. It is a beautiful city – there are so many nice places to see. New Zealand has a very special feeling – people are very friendly. For a tennis player, it is a great environment to get ready for the season and build some confidence before the Australian Open.”

ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said the tournament is thrilled to have both of this year’s winners, Mensik and Elina Svitolina, returning to defend their titles.

“This is not something that is automatic if you win and we are honoured that both Jakub and Elina will grace us at the ASB Classic.

“Our team, our sponsors and our volunteers all work hard to stage a high-class tournament and make it a very good experience for the players. The reward is that players look positively to return and they also pass on their thoughts to other players.

“The ASB Classic is thrilled to have our champions back and we are confident we can announce more exciting players in the coming weeks. Ticket sales are already very strong so we encourage fans to secure their tickets while they can.”

The WTA Women’s ASB Classic runs from January 4 to 10, 2027, followed by the ATP Men’s ASB Classic from January 11-16, both at the Manuka Doctor Arena in downtown Auckland.