Talented Russian booked for Classic

Svetlana Kuznetsova joins an elite group of grand slam winners who have played in an international in Auckland. Photo / Getty Images

Two-time grand slam champion and former world No 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova has been confirmed for next year's women's tennis Classic in Auckland.

With 13 career singles titles and 14 doubles titles to her credit, the Russian talent is set to be one of the players to watch in the tournament beginning January 3.

The 25-year-old first hit the headlines when she won the won the 2004 US Open after beating Lindsay Davenport in the semifinals and Elena Dementieva in the final.

Her second grand slam title was in 2009 at Roland Garros as the seventh seed where she toppled second seed Serena Williams in the quarters before going on to defeat Dinara Safina in the final.

By her own high standards 2010 was not a premier year for Kuznetsova.

Her ranking has slipped to 27 and illness forced to her to end her year earlier than usual to recover fully and prepare for the new year.

Kuznetsova comes from a sporting background with her father, Alexandr Kuznetsov, the cycling coach of six Olympic and world champions and now coach of renowned Russian club Lokomotiv. He also coached Svetlana's mother, Galina Tsareva, a six-time world champion and holder of 20 world records and Svetlana's brother, Nikolai Kuznetsov, silver medallist at 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

"To have a player the calibre of Svetlana is a great kudos for the ASB Classic. She is a quality player and has two grand slam titles. Having her in the field adds an extra bit of spice to the tournament," said tournament director Richard Palmer.

"Svetlana is known to be a real athlete and has a personality to match. It is the first time she has played in New Zealand and I strongly believe tennis fans are in for a real treat watching her play at the ASB Classic in 2011."

Kuznetsova joins an elite group of grand slam singles winners who have played in a women's international in Auckland since the start of a WTA event in the summer of 1985-86.

They include Davenport, Conchita Martinez, Amelie Mauresmo, Mary Pierce, Anastasia Myskina and Francesca Schiavone.

Already confirmed for the tournament is former world No 1 Maria Sharapova and defending champion Yanina Wickmayer.