Issa, Author at USA Trendz

The draw has been made, the courts are ready and the ball kids have been assembled for the start of New Zealand’s premier tennis tournament.

The action at the Auckland Tennis Centre starts on Monday with the women’s week of the ASB Classic – and for the first time in a long time, we have a real chance of seeing a local going deep and potentially lifting the trophy.

But it’s not just about the action on the court. The ASB Classic is as much about what goes on in the stands, boxes and out in the hospitality area, so there is plenty to look forward to in our all-too-brief summer of tennis.

Here is a look at who is competing and what to look out for:

Madison Keys will be feeling pretty good right now. The last time she came to Auckland back in 2013 she was bundled out in qualifying, but this time returns as the number one seed.

CELEB NEWS

Novak Djokovic planning change to his 2025 schedule as he admits what surprised him about last season

Before then, however, Djokovic takes on Rinky Hijikata in the opening round of the Brisbane International on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Djokovic will partner Nick Kyrgios in men’s doubles, with the rivals-turned-friends taking on Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies.

The Serbian failed to win a Grand Slam title in 2025, but did manage to get his hand on Olympic gold in Paris.

Knee surgery did impact his time on the court, although he did manage to reach the Wimbledon final shortly after.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has now discussed that scenario and indeed his season in general in his opening Brisbane International press conference.

BOXING

Fighting Words: All-time debate shouldn’t distract from Oleksandr Usyk’s accomplishments

Seemingly everything in boxing is up for debate, the fighting extending from beyond those ropes and between those bells. But this much is inarguable:

Oleksandr Usyk, as of earlier this year, was the undisputed heavyweight champion. Usyk, while no longer undisputed (he vacated the IBF title) remains the king of the heavyweight division. And Usyk is clearly the best heavyweight of the past decade or so.

It’s when you discuss his historical standing beyond 2015, and particularly 2004, that the traditional water-cooler conversations begin to boil over into conflict.

I’m not here to settle that debate, nor to stifle it. Debate is a fundamental (and fun) element of being a sports fan. But I just have never been too engrossed in or enamored by historical comparisons and fantasy matches. I’ll leave that to others with the interest, and especially those with the interest and the intellect,

BOXING

Otto Wallin Didn’t Hesitate When Asked If Anthony Joshua Can Beat Tyson Fury After Fighting Both

The battle of Britain has eluded fans for many years and is now undoubtedly past its best before date, however it will still be a mega-fight that can fill a stadium.

Why it could happen now is because both men are out of the title picture and looking for big fights before retirement. Joshua lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk before going on a run of four wins to get a shot at Daniel Dubois’ IBF world title. He was knocked out in five. Fury has recently suffered the same fate against Usyk, failing to beat the Ukrainian over 24 rounds.

It is now widely agreed that the match-up is the best out there for both men. How it plays out is anybody’s guess, but there are some shared opponents who can provide good insight.

Swedish southpaw Otto Wallin took Fury the distance back in 2019, inflicting a near-fight ending cut on the Brit before losing on the scorecards. After a run of six victories, he faced Joshua but was stopped inside five rounds.

BOXING

Paul Bamba cause of death: Boxing champion who surpassed Mike Tyson’s K.O. record dies at 35

Tragedy has struck the world of boxing and sport in general as world champion Paul Bamba has died at the age of 35. Just days after his triumph in winning the WBA Gold cruiserweight world title, Bamba has left a void in the hearts of many fans and fellow professionals.

Paul Bamba had a remarkable year, culminating in his record-breaking performance in which he surpassed Mike Tyson’s record of 14 KOs in 2024. His prowess in the ring and relentless drive earned him the respect and admiration of the global boxing community.

The news of Bamba’s death has shaken the sporting world, which has been flooded with messages of condolence and tribute. Among them was his manager and close friend, the famous singer Ne-Yo, who shared an emotional statement lamenting the boxer’s loss.

CELEB NEWS

Simone Biles comments on Bears’ struggles in a post

Simone Biles tried to uplift the Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams after their narrow 6-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks means the team has now lost 10 consecutive games as they remain rooted at the bottom of the NFC North with a 4-12 record.

The Bears’ last win came in the United Kingdom when they took on the Jacksonville Jaguars and won 35-16 but since their Week 7 bye it has been nothing but pain at Soldier Field and on the road.

And part of that pain was shared by Biles, who was in attendance on December 26 as she plainly said, “Thursday night football,” along with a photo of the hosting venue under the floodlights.

Five of the losses came against their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings but they have also been beaten by the Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and now the Seahawks too.

CELEB NEWS

Tiger Woods confesses a key factor in his game: “I tend to sweat a lot in…”

Tiger Woods revealed part of the key to his success was to make sure he hontrolled sweating as the 15-time Major champion reveals head gloves that c sweats a lot when he’s on the green.

It could be down to pressure, down to the weather or simply just how he is, but the 48-year-old explained how he demands his gloves have a lot of grip to handle sweating, which particularly affects his index finger

That’s part of why he launched his own brand, titled Sun Day Red, in partnership with TaylorMade so that he has his gloves exactly how he needs them to give him the best chance of taking one shot off his game.

“Having preparation here, because I used a lot of grip,” Woods said of his Sun Day Red gloves. “And so I tend to sweat in the index finger quite a bit because of my right hand and how it interlocks.

CELEB NEWS

Novak Djokovic response when asked if Roger Federer’s dominance of tennis was over after he won his first Australian Open title ever

The first of the Serbian 24 majors came at Melbourne Park 16 years ago and it would not take long before he became a dominant force in the men’s game.

In the 2000s there was no player who had a hold over the men’s game quite like Roger Federer, who won the majority of his Grand Slam during this decade.

But as the decade came to an end, the likes of Djokovic and of course Rafael Nadal started to make more of an impression, Federer began to find life on tour more challenging.

Novak Djokovic defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets to win the 2008 Australian Open.

CELEB NEWS

Rafael Nadal Refuses To Rule Out Coaching After Retirement

In a recent announcement, Rafael Nadal has left the door open to the possibility of stepping into a coaching role following his retirement from professional tennis. The Spanish tennis legend, who officially retired during the Davis Cup Finals after Spain’s quarterfinal exit, remains non-committal but hasn’t ruled out a future in coaching.

Nadal’s 2024 season was a tale of resilience and heartbreak–a comeback attempt in January was derailed by a recurring hip injury, delaying his return until spring. At 38, after competing in select clay tournaments, the 22-Grand Slam champion finally decided to hang up his racket, bringing an illustrious career to an emotional close. His uncle and long-time coach, Toni Nadal, who played a pivotal role in shaping his career, was constantly in the stands during his farewell tournaments.

When asked about the prospect of coaching, Rafael responded with characteristic thoughtfulness: “Never say never. As of today, it is too early to think about these kinds of things. I just need to organize my life. Right now, I don’t see myself in any project of this nature, but I don’t know how my life will be in one, two, or three years.”

CELEB NEWS

Nadal defies Critics, embraces Saudi Mission: “I don’t care that much”

Rafael Nadal isn’t backing down. The tennis legend, who signed a lucrative deal to become an ambassador for Saudi Arabian tennis, has fired back at critics who slammed his involvement with the controversial regime.

“So I accept the critics, especially I respect the critics who criticise things while respecting other people,” Nadal told The National. “When they don’t respect, it’s a different story. But at the end of the day, I know when I make the decision that’s [criticism] going to be happening. But in some way I don’t care that much if I really achieve the goal that I want to achieve here.”

Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in November, remains committed to his mission to grow the sport in Saudi Arabia. He recently visited Jeddah to attend the NextGen ATP Finals, where he interacted with young players and emphasized his desire to leave a lasting impact.

“For me, it’s an opportunity, first of all, to know a different culture. Second, to promote our sport in a region that is really growing in that regard,” he added. “I want to be remembered here as a person that is here to help the new generations to practice and play more and more tennis.”