For Kiwi wildcard Monique Barry, the ASB Classic is more than just another stop on the tennis calendar.
It is the tournament where belief has been built, confidence tested, and where she feels her game can come alive, in a rare chance at WTA level.
Barry will again take her place on the main stage in Auckland this week, drawn in the first round against Germany’s world No 86 Ella Seidel.
It is an immensely tough opening assignment, but one Barry, ranked 664, approaches with perspective earned through experience.
Last year’s ASB Classic marked a turning point in her career. Competing in qualifying, Barry recorded the biggest win of her professional life, defeating Japan’s Ena Shibahara 7-6 (1) 6-4, then ranked 137.
She followed that with a narrow 7-5 7-6 (4) loss to Lina Glushko, a player ranked just outside the world’s top 200 at the time, a result that despite the defeat, reinforced her belief that she belonged at that level.
“That [against Shibahara] was probably my biggest win of my career,” Barry said.
“To be able to do that in New Zealand, with a crowd, and then almost get that second match as well, I gained a lot of confidence and self-belief from that.”
Now back in Auckland 12 months later, the 23-year-old says the environment itself lifts her game.
The setting, the crowd, and the scale of the event all contribute to a sharper focus than she finds in the smaller ITF tournaments that make up much of the professional grind.
“You play better when you’re in that atmosphere,” said Barry.
“You try harder at every single moment because you’re enjoying it so much. You don’t get to do this all the time, so you don’t take it for granted.”
That contrast between packed stadiums and sparsely attended regional events in far-flung places is one of the sport’s ongoing challenges, particularly for players working their way up. Barry acknowledges that while the surroundings may differ, the importance of each match should not.
On court, her priorities for 2026 remain clear and consistent. “Staying aggressive, being physical, and really believing in myself,” she said. “Feeling like I belong.”
This year’s ASB Classic also comes after a difficult decision late in 2025, when Barry was unable to play in New Zealand’s Billie Jean King Cup World Group Playoff ties against Poland and Romania due to health reasons. It was a blow, particularly after the work she had put in alongside her teammates to finish top of Asia/Oceania Group I
“I was really upset about it,” she said. “I did all that work in India with Lulu (Sun) and the girls and fought really hard, and I was really excited to be there. But at the time, it just wasn’t right for me.”
Watching teammate Elyse Tse take on world No 2 Iga Swiatek during that window brought mixed emotions. “Things happen for a reason,” Barry said. “I was really happy for her that she got to experience that.”
This week, Barry is the only Kiwi in the women’s singles main draw, after the injury withdrawal of Lulu Sun, which might magnify the spotlight. But is something she frames as a privilege.
“It wouldn’t be pressure,” she said. “It’s an honour to be here representing New Zealand. Obviously there are nerves. I’m definitely nervous, but I want to enjoy it as much as I can.”
Barry’s match will take place on Tuesday, though she plays her first-round doubles match on Monday.
The opening day is headlined by American teenager Iva Jovic, who is tipped as one of the next big things on the tour. In 2025 the 17-year-old was the youngest player to win a WTA title – taking a tournament in Mexico – while she also progressed beyond the first round at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. The World No 35 takes on Czech qualifier Gabriela Knutson, while compatriot and second seed Emma Navarro kicks off the evening session against Brit Francesca Jones, with former Auckland champion Sloane Stephens also in action on Monday night.
In terms of pure entertainment, the biggest draw on Monday might be a doubles contest, with Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina taking on Jovic and Philippine rising star Alexandra Eala, in a brilliant match-up.
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.