Teen Gauff to join major champions Serena and Andreescu in Auckland

Following her successful WTA debut, 15-year-old Coco Gauff will kick off her 2020 campaign at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.

"Coco is probably the most in demand player on tour at the moment,” said ASB Classic Tournament Director, Karl Budge. “She was the front page of almost every global publication after her Wimbledon triumphs and set the sport alight.  We have had some superstars come through Auckland early in their careers, however Coco may well be the best of them all' stated Budge.

Ranked No. 313, Gauff burst onto the scene when she stunned her tennis idol Venus Williams in the 2019 Wimbledon first round, en route to her fourth-round appearance. She following that performance with a third-round showing at the US Open.

In October, having entered the Linz main draw as a lucky loser, she earned her maiden career WTA title to become the youngest WTA titlist since Nicole Vaidisova in 2004.

"I can’t wait to start my season in Auckland,” said Gauff. “2019 was such an incredible year and I achieved so many of the goals that I had set for myself. Wimbledon was obviously a highlight as was capturing my first WTA title.

"So many players talk about Auckland. I have not been before so this will be cool to experience."

23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and US Open champion Bianca Andreescu lead the field.

"We've still got a number of player announcements up our sleeve," said Budge. "While we've already come out and announced Bianca Andreescu, Serena, Julia Goerges and now Coco, there will still be significantly more to announce on Wednesday as well.

Gauff, who also won two doubles titles with her fellow American teen Caty McNally in Washington, D.C. and Luxembourg, ended her season ranked No. 68.