Tennis: Is Serena Williams coming back to Auckland?

Serena Williams in action against Madison Brengle. Photo / Nick Reed

Serena Williams is a possibility to return to Auckland's ASB Women's Classic in January.

While the 23 times Grand Slam champion won't be announced at this evening's full field announcement, she is considering a wildcard offer to return ahead of the Australian Open.

Williams gave birth in September but has indicated she plans to defend her Australian Open title with ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge believing the American will want to play a warm up tournament prior to Melbourne.

Earlier this year Williams blamed the "abhorrent" conditions in Auckland for her shock second round exit to unheralded American Madison Brengle.

"At least I can get out of these conditions so I can get somewhere better, and warmer weather too," she said in a brief post-match press conference at the time.

"I would say it's my least favourite conditions I've ever played in. Again my opponent played in the exact same conditions - she was able to adjust better than me. She obviously did a much better job than I did. I really abhorred these conditions."

"I can take solace in the fact that the conditions won't be like this in Melbourne [for the Australian Open]. This is almost not a great opportunity to assess your game to be honest."

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka's expected to be unveiled as a major drawcard at the tournament launch.

The tournament is expected to have at least four top 30 players in the field headed by the already announced world number three Caroline Wozniacki.