Heineken Open Tennis Annoucement - 28 Player Draw For Heineken Open

Tennis Auckland has applied for and been granted a 28-player singles draw for the 2009 Heineken Open featuring the Sovereign singles.

This is in response to feedback from the higher ranked players who have made it clear that the majority of them do not wish to potentially play five matches in the week leading into the Australian Open.

An application to the organisors of the Australian Open to allow the Heineken Open finalists a Tuesday start has also been made. This would give the Heineken Open winners and runners-up more travel and preparation time.

The 28 draw gives the top four seeds a bye in the first round which also potentially offers some flexibility in their schedules with the possibility of the top seeds being able to spread their matches over five days.

The 28 draw is also in line with the other ATP event in the same week.

“This is a positive move to better align ourselves with player needs and increases the likelihood of securing stronger fields for the Heineken Open especially if the 28 draw becomes a regular feature of the tournament,” says Heineken Open, tournament director, Richard Palmer.

The Heineken Open will be held January 12-17 at ASB Tennis Centre.