Tennis: Optimism remains over Heineken Open field

Slim pickings amongst the real big names but January's Heineken Tennis Open still looks set to have one of its strongest ever fields.

The rival Colonial Exhibition event in Melbourne has just announced its eight strong lineup, featuring the likes of Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Ivan Ljubicic, and David Nalbandian.

Six of the world's top 10 players have now been confirmed for rival events to Auckland but Heineken Open tournament director Graham Pearce is not surprised. He says they normally expect the sort of players that are going to Melbourne to prepare for the Australian Open there.

Graham Pearce confirms Heineken Open regular Fernando Gonzalez, now up to number seven in the world rankings, is a target, along with 8th ranked Spaniard Tommy Robredo and 12th ranked Croatian Mario Ancic.

- NEWSTALK ZB