In a major boost for the ASB Classic men's tournament, four-time champion David Ferrer has been confirmed as a late addition into the field next week.
Organisers were holding a wildcard for the Spanaird - contingent on the world No 7's performance at the ATP tournament in Doha this week.
The stars aligned for Auckland as Ferrer lost in the first round, and the 33-year-old accepted a wildcard overnight.
After being upstaged by the women's event over the last couple of years, Ferrer's inclusion should mean that the men's tournament is the more memorable across the fortnight.
There will be four players inside the top 12 in the world, with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Ferrrer, John Isner and Kevin Anderson.
