Gauff strengthens Auckland Classic after COVID-19 break


Rising American tennis star Coco Gauff will start her 2023 season at the Auckland Classic with a boost for the returning New Zealand tournament.

The 18-year-old reached her first Grand Slam singles final at the French Open in June and was No. 1 in doubles after her recent win in Toronto.

“I’m really excited to be returning to the… classic,” world No. 12 Gauff said in a statement.

“I’ve definitely missed New Zealand over the past two years and look forward to starting my year back in Auckland.”

Both the 2021 and 2022 editions of the tournament have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

US great Serena Williams won the previous Auckland Classic in 2020, her last WTA title.

The 2023 tournament begins on January 2 in the run-up to the Australian Open.