Tennis: Dementieva chooses Perth over Auckland

Elena Dementieva won't be defending her ASB Classic title next year. Photo / Brett Phibbs

There will be no title defence from ASB Classic winner Elena Dementieva.

The world number four has opted to feature for Russia at the Hopman Cup in Perth instead. The event starts two days earlier than the Auckland tournament in January.

Hopman Cup tournament director Paul McNamee says Dementieva has been keen on his tournament for a while. He says they have previously had Svetlana Kuznetsova and Dinara Safina, but it is a tournament that has always lured Dementieva.

McNamee says Dementieva was his first choice to represent Russia at the Hopman Cup once he knew Dinara Safina was unavailable. He says the ASB Classic can still attract another top Russian player as there is no shortage.

- NEWSTALK ZB