Tennis takes anti-Russia stance with ASB Classic at risk of renaming

Daniil Medvedev watches Formula 1 during Wimbledon final

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New Zealand’s most famous tennis tournament is at risk of losing its naming rights partner ahead of its return in January. After being cancelled for two successive years due to the impact of Covid, the ASB Classic in Auckland is scheduled to get underway on January 2, and form an integral part of the build-up to the Australian Open.

But after 25 years of sponsorship, ASB Bank is now said to be strongly considering making a political stance amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to Newshub. If Russian and Belarusian players are permitted to take part, the company is likely to remove its branding from the tournament, meaning a tough situation for event director Nicolas Lamperin.

The bank wouldn’t be completely pulling their financial backing, but if Lamperin was to take a stance it would have implications for the status of the tournament. In June, he said he would not be approaching players from either nation to take part, but that doesn’t equate to an outright ban on them entering.

Indeed, the men’s and women’s governing bodies, the ATP and WTA, are likely to sanction the tournament if it announces an ouright ban. This summer, Wimbledon was stripped of ranking points after the All England Tennis Club barred Daniil Medvedev and co from competing.

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“There are currently no Russian or Belarusian players confirmed or under negotiation to play at the ASB Classic,” the bank stated, via Newshub Sport. “After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, we would very much like to see a successful ASB Classic go ahead in 2023.

“We are working with tournament organisers to ensure we can continue to support the event, while still aligning with our values as a company.”

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The defending men’s champion at the tournament is Ugo Humbert, who beat compatriot Benoit Paire back in 2020. Serena Williams won the last women’s title in the same year, overpowering Jessica Pegula.

The last British winner in Auckland was Greg Rusedski back in 2002. Anne Hobbs also triumphed in the inaugural women’s event in 1985.

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