Ferrer accepts Auckland wildcard

The Spaniard was stunned by Illya Marchenko 6-7 (8-10), 6-3, 6-2 in Doha on Tuesday. Ferrer, 33, will head to Auckland, where he is a four-time champion, to continue his preparation for the Australian Open.

Spaniard David Ferrer

World number seven David Ferrer has accepted a wildcard into the ASB Classic after his first-round exit at the Qatar Open.

The Spaniard was stunned by Illya Marchenko 6-7 (8-10), 6-3, 6-2 in Doha on Tuesday. Ferrer, 33, will head to Auckland, where he is a four-time champion, to continue his preparation for the Australian Open.

"It's huge for this tournament to have David Ferrer back for another year," ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge said. "He has been so loyal to us and is a huge crowd favourite. We are pleased to welcome him back to have another crack at the title. To have our top four seeds all inside the world’s top 12 is incredible for an ATP 250 event.

"We are in for a treat this year and I am sure our fans will come out in droves to enjoy the best field we have put together."

Ferrer will be joined by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, John Isner and Kevin Anderson for the ATP event starting Monday.