KEY POINTS:
Exciting Frenchman Gael Monfils is a late inclusion in the field for next week's men's international open in Auckland.
Big-hitting Australian Mark Philippoussis' knee cartilage injury, suffered on Tuesday night at the Hopman Cup in Perth, has ruled him out of his wildcard spot at the Heineken Open, and world No 46 Monfils has accepted an invitation to take his place.
The 20-year-old is a flamboyant figure at 1.93m tall, and tournament director Graham Pearce reckons "the fans are in for a real treat".
Monfils has one ATP singles title to his name, at Sopot, Poland, in 2005, and was troubled by various injuries last year.
"He's fit and well and wanting some good tennis before the Australian Open," Pearce added. "He'll be a real drawcard."
Pearce has one wildcard left to hand out, after giving the first to New Zealand's leading player, Dan King Turner. Pearce confirmed the final card will be handed out to an overseas player today or tomorrow.
