David Ferrer is returning to Auckland - and the possibility he'll become the greatest champion Stanley St has seen adds an intriguing storyline to the men's edition of the ASB Classic.
Ferrer was confirmed yesterday as a late addition to next week's field, after his first round loss in Doha.
The world No 7 had requested an Auckland wildcard after meetings with tournament organisers at the US Open, though it was agreed his presence would depend on his Doha results.
The early exit in the Middle East has facilitated his arrival -- and nothing would be more appropriate than the 33-year-old becoming the first man to win five singles titles in Auckland. He shares the record of four with legendary Australian Roy Emerson, who won 12 Grand Slam titles and was victorious in Auckland in 1960, 1965, 1966 and 1967.
In a way, no one has done more than Ferrer to put the Auckland ATP event on the map over the past decade. Other star names have come -- and thrilled the crowds -- but nobody of such pedigree has turned up so often, and done so well.
