ASB Classic singles wildcard brings big moment, and big decision, for James Watt

New Zealand’s James Watt will step onto Centre Court on Monday carrying both a wildcard and a question mark, as he prepares to face American Jenson Brooksby in the opening round of the ASB Classic.

For Watt, the main-draw wildcard represents more than just a rare singles opportunity at ATP Tour level. It is a moment he has imagined since childhood, watching Auckland’s summer showpiece and seeing the game’s biggest servers light up Centre Court.

“It’s an awesome, awesome privilege,” Watt said of being given the singles wildcard. 

“I remember dreaming about it as a kid, going out on Centre Court watching John Isner play, bombing serves, so I’d like to try and replicate that if I can.”

The 25-year-old arrives in Auckland in an unusual position. While his singles ranking sits at 705, Watt has built an impressive doubles résumé, climbing to world No 87 alongside fellow Kiwi Finn Reynolds. 

That ranking puts the pair on the cusp of regular entry into ATP Tour events and grand slams.

It has been a steady rise rather than a sudden leap. Watt says his professional career began as an experiment after college, one he committed to fully so he would have no regrets.

“It started off as giving it a go, coming out of college,” he said. 

“I felt like I was playing good tennis, and I didn’t want to have any regrets once I stopped playing tennis, so I wanted to give it a full crack on the Tour. 

“Each year I’ve climbed up the rankings, going from Futures to Challengers and now this year at ATP level. I’ve ridden off that confidence and enjoying the game really.”

That upward trajectory was reflected in what Watt regards as a highly successful 2025 season, particularly in doubles, where he broke into the world’s top 100. Importantly for this week’s wildcard, he also continued to make gains in singles despite playing a reduced schedule.

“Really successful, both from a doubles perspective, breaking into the top 100 and singles as well,” he said. “I still climbed up the rankings only playing part time.”

The challenge now is deciding how, or whether, to continue juggling both disciplines as he’s on the verge of making a successful career as a doubles player on the ATP Tour.

“That’s something I’m figuring out,” Watt said. “It’s kind of dependent on how these next few months play out, and where I end up ranking wise.”

He acknowledges the practical realities. Doubles offers a clearer pathway to a sustainable ATP-level career, while singles remains the more uncertain option. But he is not ready to close that door.

“It’s definitely a weigh-up between the two,” he said. “Obviously, with doubles, I’m very close to breaking into being at that ATP level consistently and making a good career out of that. 

“But I’m also aware that I have the ability to do it in singles as well. It’s sort of what makes sense at the time, and at the moment, I think doubles is leading the way. But I’m weighing it up as I go.”

That belief in his singles credentials was reinforced last September during New Zealand’s Davis Cup tie against Georgia, where Watt played in, and won, two singles rubbers, 

“That kind of reinforced my capabilities in singles and ability to handle the pressure,” he said. 

“The way that doubles is played is very similar to how I play my singles as well, shorter points, coming in, volleying, serve-volley style, and that translates to singles very well.”

Watt says he has leaned heavily on the example and advice of New Zealand’s established doubles stars Michael Venus, Marcus Daniell and Artem Sitak, all of whom forged long careers at the top level.

“Those guys have been awesome role models for me,” Watt said. “They give me a lot of advice and mentorship, with these decisions as well. I’m very appreciative and lucky to have those guys who have paved the way.”

Watt will play doubles with Reynolds at the ASB Classic, but for the start of this week the focus narrows to one match. 

Drawing Brooksby gives Watt a demanding first-round assignment, but one he approaches with intent rather, and with his huge serve, why not?