WELLINGTON, Aug 23, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Teenage prodigy Coco Gauff will play at
the ASB Classic in Auckland in January when the New Zealand tournament
returns after a three-year hiatus because of Covid.

The 18-year-old American was one of the stars of this year's French Open when
she reached her first Grand Slam final before losing to world number one Iga
Swiatek in straight sets.

Gauff will start her 2023 season at the Auckland tournament, which is a warm-
up for the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Serena Williams won the 2020 women's singles title in Auckland just before
the start of the pandemic.

"I am super-excited to be returning," said Gauff.

"I definitely missed New Zealand the last two years and I am excited to kick
my year off back in Auckland."