After his victory in Auckland, Ferrer went on to claim titles in Buenos Aires in February, Acapulco in March, s-Hertogenbosch in June, Bastad in July and just last week he won his home town tournament - the Valencia Open. After his Bastad victory, he became the first player to reach 50 match wins this year.
Joining Ferrer at next year's Heineken Open will be former world No7 Mardy Fish. The 30-year-old American, now ranked 26, has won six career titles, collected an Olympic silver medal in Athens and made the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year when his world ranking peaked at seven.
"Last year he was playing in the ATP World Tour finals after a great season," said Budge.
Fish last played in Auckland six years ago.
"Funnily enough Mardy lost in 2007 to the eventual champion David Ferrer in the semifinals."
"He's an all-court player with a strong net game, which will certainly add variety to an event normally dominated by the baseliners."
In addition to the two heavyweights, ATP newcomer David Goffin has also confirmed he'll be coming to Auckland.
The Belgian took a set off Roger Federer at Roland Garros in the round of 16, and afterwards the Swiss master said Goffin was "very talented" and that "he can go far".
"He's got great potential in terms of his touch and the way he reads the game. He takes a backhand early and he absorbs pace really well, [especially] from the baseline," said Federer.
The 21-year-old started the year ranked 174 in the world but after Challenger wins in La Gosier in March and in Orleans (France) in September, Goffin quickly moved to a ranking of 42.
