New Zealand's top doubles player and defending champion Michael Venus has been awarded a doubles wildcard for the upcoming ASB Classic.
Venus is currently ranked a career high 32 in the world, and won four doubles titles on the ATP Tour this season.
The 29-year-old joins New Zealanders Marcus Daniell and Artem Sitak in the doubles main draw.
"The ASB Classic is my favourite tournament of the year so to be told by Karl that he will give me the other doubles wildcard to guarantee me the chance to try and defend my title is something that I'm really excited to do," said Venus. "Playing at home in Auckland with my family and friends watching, the whole atmosphere and event that's put on by Tennis Auckland is one of the best tournaments there is in the world for players and specatiors."
Tournament director Karl Budge said "Mike is a quality player and we probably don'trealise just how wellhe, as well as Marcus andArtem have done onTourthis year."
