World No 5 David Ferrer headlines the first player announcements for next year's Heineken Open. Photo / Getty
World No 5 and four-time Heineken Open Champion David Ferrer has today been confirmed for the 2015 Heineken Open.
Auckland has fought off stiff competition from a number of tournaments in Australia to secure the services of the ever-reliable Spaniard, who is the highest ranked player competing globally that week.
Ferrer has had another blinding season, winning more than $2 million in prize money and picking up a title in Buenos Aires, as well as finishing runner-up in Hamburg and Cincinnati and reaching the semifinals in Monte Carlo and Madrid.
"David Ferrer just keeps getting stronger," tournament director Karl Budge said. "It's been another great year for him, and I know how keen he is to get back here for a shot at his fifth title."
Joining Ferrer is entertaining Latvian and world No 13 Ernests Gulbis. Long considered one of the next generation of players to lead the ATP, 2014 has seen Gulbis deliver on that potential.
He has won two titles in Nice and Marseille, where he defeated Jo Wilfred-Tsonga in the final, and made the semifinals in both Barcelona and Kuala Lumpur, peaking at No 10 in the world.
It was Roland Garros where Gulbis made his biggest statement. Having already knocked out sixth seed Tomas Berdych, he overcame Roger Federer in five sets to reach his firstGrand Slam semifinal.
Gulbis has drawn comparisons to Marat Safin, both in his play and fiery personality on court. Off-court, the perennial joker will no doubt keep media on their toes with his off-beat comments.
"Auckland has a great reputation on the tour, and coming down to New Zealand is a pretty cool way to kick off 2015," Gulbis said. "I've had a career-best year in 2014 so am hoping we can go bigger in 2015. The Heineken Open suits me and I can't wait to get out there."
Gulbis and Ferrer join defending champion John Isner in an impressive Heineken Open field. Currently No 15, the American giant has had a solid year.
