Tennis Auckland is confident facilities will be up to standard in time for the ASB Classic and Heineken Open next month.

We like to think Richie McCaw has to deal with intense expectations but what about the hopes of a billion people?

A familiar feel to the Heineken Open in January, with a number of players returning to Auckland.

Marina Erakovic is hoping next year's ASB Classic will provide the launch pad to get her tennis career back on track.

Two-time Grand Slam champion and former world No.2 Svetlana Kuznetsova has been confirmed for next year's ASB Classic.

Kim Clijsters has upstaged world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki to capture the WTA Championship in Doha.

Maria Sharapova was named this week as the marquee player for the 2011 ASB Classic and is easily the biggest drawcard in the tournament's history.

The signing of Russian star Maria Sharapova has added glamour and grunt to New Zealand's premier women's tennis tournament.

Triple Grand Slam tennis champion Maria Sharapova will play at the ASB Classic tournament in Auckland next year. Photos / AP, NZH

Some of our young tennis players need to get their heads around the 'world famous in New Zealand' concept.

American John Isner and Belgian Yanina Wickmayer will both return to Auckland in January to defend international tennis titles.

Andy Murray has crushed Roger Federer 6-3, 6-2 to win the Shanghai Masters tennis title.