Tennis: ASB Classic notable for lack of Kiwis

It looks like there will be no New Zealand presence in the singles main draw at the ASB Tennis Classic in Auckland in three weeks.

Marina Erakovic has been handed a main draw wildcard, but remains in doubt because of injury.

Tournament director Richard Palmer concedes no other New Zealander is up to standard.

He says the four qualifying wildcards will go to New Zealanders, with seven or eight players competing for the spots, but it is too big a step up for them into the main draw.

One wildcard has been handed out to Jelena Dokic, with the likes of Ashley Harkleroad and world junior champion Victoria Azarenka vying for the other if Erakovic pulls out.

Also in the running would be former winner Meilan Tu and Marta Domachowska, a Polish player ranked in the 60s.

Palmer will leave his decision until the last minute.

- NEWSTALK ZB