New Zealand tennis player Lulu Sun. Photo: Geoff Burke / PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand's number one women's tennis player Lulu Sun has confirmed her entry in this summer's ASB Classic in Auckland.
Sun was beaten in the first round of the 2025 tournament.
Sun said she is thrilled to return to the ASB Classic, which is both a homecoming and an opportunity.
"This means everything to me. I get to play in front of a home crowd and fans. It is going to be energising and it's going to be fun," said Sun. "I am biased, but it is pretty much my favourite tournament of the year."
After climbing to giddy heights in 2024 where she reached No 39 on the WTA world rankings, Sun has been unable to hold on to the reins this year.
"After injury early in the year, there was a lot of things that were all over the place. It's not been the easiest season. Last year was my best season and this year I have been struggling."
She is currently ranked 124 in the world.
"Last year I came into the WTA tournaments as a new player. This year I had expectations and put a lot of pressure on myself, especially earlier in the year. I am looking to get back to that consistency. My goal is to get things back on track and back into the top 100."
The 2026 ASB Classic takes place in Auckland from 5-17 January.
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