Tennis: John Isner returning to ASB Classic

John Isner is returning to the ASB Classic. Photo / Photosport

Big John is back.

The ASB Classic has secured the signature of popular American John Isner, and tournament director Karl Budge is confident of attracting at least one more top 10 player for the 2019 event.

Budge is aiming for Juan Martin del Potro, who was a big hit this year in his first appearance on Stanley Street since 2009.

Del Potro would be a tough get. He's always a marquee player, not far below the 'big four' but has stormed back into prominence this year after reaching the last eight at Wimbledon and the semifinals at Roland Garros (only stopped by Rafa Nadal on both occasions) then finishing runner up to Novak Djokovic in New York.

So, is Budge actually confident of landing the Argentine?

"Yes, we are," Budge told Radio Sport. "We spoke again on Monday. He is a guy that doesn't make decisions at this time of year. Every year when I have been tournament director he has said no to me at this time. [But] in that November period once he is off tour, stopped playing and started to think about what [he] should do before Melbourne his views seem to change."

Isner's confirmation today was no surprise, as the 33-year-old always enjoys starting his year in Auckland, usually surrounded by several compatriots in the locker room. But's it still a decent coup, as Isner is enjoying a brilliant year, where he peaked at number eight in the world and also captured his first ATP Masters 1000 title.

That week in Miami was the best in Isner's career, as he beat three top ten players (Marin Cilic, three, Alexander Zverev, five and Juan Martin del Potro, six) as well as 2018 Australian Open semi-finalist Hyeon Chung on the way to lifting the trophy.

Isner followed up that breakthrough victory by reaching the last four at Wimbledon, where he lost a six hour marathon to Kevin Anderson, and then making the quarter-finals in New York.

The 2.08m Isner is still the king of aces – only one player in ATP history has served more than his 10,757 bombs – but he has an underrated all round game.

Isner has an impressive record in the Queen City. He's played here on seven previous occasions, winning in 2010 and 2014 and reaching the quarter-finals on four other visits.

"I love playing in Auckland," said Isner. "It's such a great place to play, the crowds are awesome and it's one of the best stops on the tour. It's where I won my first ATP title, and I'm looking forward to playing there again in 2019."

"When you have guys like Isner coming back year on year, particularly off the back of the season that he has had…he is a man in demand now," added Budge. "For him to show his loyalty again to the ASB Classic shows just how well regarded the tournament is."

Isner's signature is added to Venus Williams, who last month was confirmed for the women's tournament.