The ASB tennis Classic will have to put up more prize money if organisers want to attract big name players in the future, the boss of world women's tennis says.

The current prize money on offer, and subsequent status of the tournament allows just one current top 10 player to feature, regardless of interest from athletes.

WTA CEO Steve Simon, currently in Auckland for the Classic, believes it's up to the tournament to work on what's required, but there's only one option for increasing prestige.

"They just have to increase their prize money," he said. "It would be unfair for this event to have top ten players without paying prize money equivalent to the other events."

This year's Classic had a major coup in securing both Venus and Serena Williams to compete. However Serena bowed out of the tournament yesterday in a shock upset to world number 72 Madison Brengle.

Venus withdrew due to injury.

The upcoming men's tournament might soon get its own star player, with world number six Marin Cilic being offered a wildcard spot.

The Croation needs match practice ahead of the Australian Open after losing in the second round of Chennai.

Tournament director Karl Budge has been in correspondence overnight, and is optimistic Cilic will be locked in soon.