"But we're still having a couple of other conversations as well. I'm optimistic we can see another two players in the top 20, if not pinch a third. That would just be unbelievable for us - if we could have five or six players in the top 20 it would make a pretty strong tournament."
Ferrer is certainly a solid start. An annual fixture in Auckland, the Spaniard has long established himself as the best of the bunch sitting outside the big four of men's tennis, a player who would likely be a multiple Grand Slam winner if born in another era.
His quality and reliability at Stanley St makes Ferrer a fan favourite and the feeling is mutual - although his agent isn't always as amenable.
"It's a tough one with David," Budge said. "There's no question that he loves this place and this is where he wants to start his year. So it's quite easy convincing David - his agent, on the other hand, is another story.
"David is the highest-ranked player in the world playing that week, but more importantly he's a player you can rely on. He's a guy that if he rolls an ankle, he's still going to go out and try to win that match. The week before a Grand Slam, there's not many players who are that way, so he's in demand."
Gulbis was another early-season tournaments were aiming to attract, as much for his off-court demeanour as his rapidly improving game.
Regarded as one of the more colourful personalities on tour, the 26-year-old has boasted about his racquet-throwing abilities and railed against "boring" interviews from the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Opening haul for Heineken Open
• David Ferrer, Spain, World No 5.
• Ernests Gulbis, Latvia, World No 13.
• John Isner, United States, World No 15.