Tennis: Errani added to Classic

Italian Sara Errani will join the ASB Classic lineup. Photo / Getty

The ASB Classic has added the world's best doubles player to its 2015 lineup.

Sara Errani will join drawcards Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki at the Auckland event, boosting both the singles and doubles sections of the draw.

Errani is ranked at No 14 in singles but it's been on the doubles court where the aggressive Italian has excelled, claiming five grand slam titles and 24 doubles trophies in total.

In 2014 alone, Errani managed five doubles titles (Australian Open, Madrid, Stuttgart, Wimbledon and Montreal), three final appearances (Sydney, Rome and Roland Garros) and three semifinals (Eastborne, Doha and Paris).

"Errani brings some real depth to what is shaping up to be an incredible ASB Classic field," said tournament director, Karl Budge. "She is the best doubles player on the planet and has captured seven singles title as well."

None of those arrived this year but it has still been a strong singles season for Errani, reaching the quarter-finals of both the French Open and the US Open. In New York she beat Williams en route to the last eight before being overcome by eventual finalist Wozniacki.

Errani becomes the second top-15 player confirmed for the Classic, alongside former world No 1 Wozniacki, while Williams will also be tough to beat.

"Two players inside the world's top 15 and and a seven-time grand slam champion shows just how tough this years event will be," Budge said.

Other players confirmed include American rising star Sloane Stephens (No 36) and double junior grand slam champion Ana Konjuh (84).